{UAH} Collective identity and common purpose

Since independence we Ugandans have tried to understand who we are. What are our common values and experiences? At independence and as Grace Ibingira (RIP) wrote we had no national consciousness. Every leader of Uganda has stressed the need for unity but we are far from it. Discussions bogged down with the promulgation of anti-sectarian law.

Since the London conference on federalism in October 2012 the idea of nations or identities has taken center stage in our deliberations. This isn't happening only in Uganda: it is happening everywhere. As we prepare for post-NRM regime we need to revisit who we are and how to work together for a common purpose.

Please join me on Radio Munansi today at 11:00 am New York time to hear the discussions on "Rediscovering Britain" and what lessons we can learn from it.

David Goodhart wrote "There are no purely British people in Britain – it is, strictly speaking, a state not a nation. Its strength is that it accommodates multiple allegiances as it was designed to for England and the Celtic nations and has come to for ethnic minority Britons" (Prospect April 2005)     

Thorbjorn Jagland, former Norwegian prime minister has called for embracing diversity, noting that "Individuals – regardless of faith, culture, or ethnicity – should be treated equally by the law, the authorities, and their fellow citizens. By the same token each individual must respect the rule of law and the common values that make up Europe's identity" (World Policy Journal Spring 2013).

We need to identify common values and experiences that make up Uganda's identity.

--
UAH forum is devoted to matters of interest to Ugandans. Individuals are responsible for whatever they post on this forum.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com or Abbey Semuwemba at: abbeysemuwemba@gmail.com.