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 …
Read More »Uganda’s Global Magnetism – From Tukutendereza Yesu to matooke cuisine
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 …
Read More »Time, Quality, and Status – Lessons from the East African Revival
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 …
Read More »From division to unity – Bridging Uganda’s political and social gaps
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 …
Read More »Resilience in Tradition: The unbreakable spirit of Africa
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 …
Read More »An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Museveni: Refining the path to grassroots wealth creation
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the positive outcomes reported from your recent Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in Bukedi. Your commitment to wealth creation and socio-economic transformation is commendable. This letter is part of a series of open letters I have written to you recently …
Read More »The Trump Election Effect on Buganda: “Nseenene,” seasons, and global connections
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | In Buganda, a kingdom within Uganda, nseenene, the cherished green grasshoppers, are more than just a seasonal snack. With November’s rains heralding their arrival, these insects have become a symbol that bridges both local tradition and global celebrations, as their appearance coincides with the approach of …
Read More »UN World Science Day: Reclaiming Africa’s scientific legacy for peace and development
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | On this UN World Science Day for Peace and Development, the theme “Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures” invites us to reflect on the vital role of science in our everyday lives, particularly in tackling global challenges such as climate change, public health, and …
Read More »The unsung legacy of Sub-Saharan Moors in Europe’s development
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | As we reflect on often overlooked narratives during Black History Month, one striking chapter that remains underexplored is the contribution of sub-Saharan Moors to Europe’s intellectual, cultural, and military history. When we speak of the Moors who ruled parts of Spain for nearly 800 years, …
Read More »Trump’s Victory: A celebration or a warning for Africa?
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Across Africa, a surprising wave of celebration has followed Donald Trump’s election victory. Social media is buzzing with messages of euphoria: “Our man has won!” But why this shared triumph? For many, Trump’s conservative stance resonates. His rejection of LGBTQ+ rights aligns with traditional values in …
Read More »