Tag Archives: Gertrude Kamya Othieno

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The arrival of mercantilism and capitalism in Africa not only disrupted traditional structures but also embedded the continent in a global economic system designed for its exploitation. For centuries, Africa was cast as a supplier of raw materials, a market for finished goods, and a source …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The arrival of European powers in Africa under mercantilism and capitalism marked not only an economic shift but also a profound disruption of the continent’s traditional structures. Governance, resource management, and cultural cohesion, systems that had sustained African societies for centuries, were dismantled, replaced by models …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The relationship between Africa and Europe over the last 600 years has been anything but equal. What began as mercantilist trade expanded into a complex system of exploitation that evolved into modern capitalism. This dynamic redefined Africa, not as a continent of innovation and agency but …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Names are more than identifiers; they are carriers of history, culture, and identity. In Europe, names like Mount Olympus, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the River Thames are preserved as markers of cultural heritage and continuity. In stark contrast, Africa’s names, personal and geographical, were systematically stripped …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | As we step into 2025, I wish all my readers a year filled with hope, growth, and meaningful progress. Reflecting on the past year, my writings have explored the sweeping tides of globalisation over the last 600 years and their profound impact on humanity. These reflections …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The East African Revival, which swept through Uganda in the 1930s, is often celebrated for its spiritual renewal and moral reformation. Yet, beneath the veneer of unity and salvation lies a more complex legacy. While the Revival brought undeniable benefits, its long-term consequences raise important questions …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Uganda’s allure, both spiritually and culturally, has been growing ever since the days of the East African Revival, and this magnetic force is not just felt within East Africa but extends well beyond its borders. Uganda’s distinctive cultural and spiritual heritage, embodied in its agricultural practices …

  COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The East African Revival, born in the 1930s, transformed faith, community, and morality across the region. Its enduring call to humility and accountability remains a guiding light. Yet, in modern contexts, this legacy often collides with cultural practices that prioritise ceremony over substance. Uganda, as …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Uganda, often celebrated as the Pearl of Africa, is admired for its natural beauty and relative stability. Yet beneath this façade lies a society grappling with deep-rooted challenges. These issues, while subtle, reflect a troubling shift in the nation’s social and moral fabric. The Uganda of …

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a profound example of how attempts to erase a leader can be met with unexpected resilience rooted in cultural traditions. While Belgium sought to eliminate Lumumba and his vision …