Random Thoughts

Damn. I had to detour, because Princess was angry. But now that I have apologised, and the apology been accepted, why dont I post this?

Random Thoughts

Because the mind seems not to be settled, so, I pour down what has been coming to my mind.

Princess was asking me about the effects of the Sept 11^th on Uganda, and Africa. Curious question. Apparently, since she was, what 9 years old then, and I am much older according to her surmise, I should know. I was miffed. I am gay, never old! But she didn't get the joke. So I told her to ask her dad. Apparently he did the job of educating her. Sometimes one needs to duck the responsibilities of an elder brother, so that we don't appear that 'old'!

Anyway, one of the results of Bush's war on terror- to educate Princess. [lecture mode now], was the passing of laws on terror. Patriot Act in America, don't remember what in Britain. And in Uganda, of course we had the Terrorism Act.

You know curious thing about this sweeping law? It nets anyone who opposes the government. Anyone who seriously gives the government a headache.

So, the leader of the opposition is currently fighting a 'Terrorism' charge. The case is before the Constitutional court. Oh, he beat the rape charges, but terrorism is another matter. I don't mind Kony being hanged. Long overdue that, but, why should a man who aspires to the presidency be a terrorist? Curious, curious, curious logic.

Though is it more curious than 'if you are not with us you are against us'?

[Silly memory. Nelson Mandela was a terrorist!]

So, back to Uganda.

The Kabaka's men, you know, the two men and woman who were arrested some five days ago have not appeared in court. Parliament convened in emergency session? And the Army MP (yes, the Member of Parliament representing the Ugandan Army), one of the army MPs said that the charge of 'terrorism' was such a big one that it gave the government reason to suspend parts of the law. Like the one which says that no one should stay more than 48 hours without being charged…

So, Princess. I think sisters of mine should be sharp, and I know you are. Or else you would not be soon going to that other island. Do I need to explain more?

And, because I didn't put this post up when you were so angry with me, by the time I publish, the 3 have been released, as ordered by court, and immediately re-arrested. Pray for our dear country.

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Speaking of court, tomorrow, we shall be back. In court. You remember we angered the government by attending the HIV Implementers meeting without invitation. Well, the date with the judge is 25^th July at 9:00am.

Sometimes I do like the law. Like when we use it to jump out of prison. [believe it is somewhere in the constitution that we should not be held for more than 48 hours].. but then I hate it when it is used to bludgeon us. So, we still have to report to court. We still have the one year in prison possibility hanging over our heads. Oh well, we took our risks. We were caught.

Just want to do a Houdini act. Get out of jail, without paying the fine!

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Of Bush, GW and the terrorism act in Uganda. We seriously have to toddy up to the next president of America. Our track record is very good. Bill Clinton, he was wooed, and he responded. GWB, well, we just had to get on board, fight the war on terror. Easy, easy, easy. And we were family. It has done us loads of good.

But now, the next president? Of the US that is.

If it is McCain, I am sure everything will be ok. He is going to fight the war on terror with all his might, him being Bush's 3^rd Term and all. So, the war front in Uganda will not suffer. Of course for us we are not changing presidents…

But if it is Barack Obama. I foresee some difficulties.

The guy does not know Realpolitik. He went to Israel and told them to look in the mirror. What? Where is 'standing behind you come what may'? Unconditionally support?

And the guy is an African. [yes, he is!], so he may see through this 'vulnerable' card we so consistently play. We may actually be forced to do something. Why did this Kenyan become an American? Promises to wake Africa out of our slumber.

Maybe, just maybe, we will have to throw away the begging bowl. That would be terrible, wouldn't it? Imagine, Bashir accountable for his war crimes. Mugabe off, dismissed. Kibaki disciplined. Real democracy in Uganda.

But, as things which are too good, it is all in the dreams.

I will start chanting 'Yes We Can.' 'Yes We Can' 'Yes we can.' Maybe dreams will come true. Before I get my appointment with death that is.

And maybe, since I have become that morbid, I should sign off!

GayUganda