Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2018

Pascal Boniface launched the debate by asserting that
America is not great anymore but relies on proxies to
exert influence, a situation he attributes to Donald Trump’s
pursuit of the America first policy. “Wanting to be first is
wanting to be alone.”
Irene Ikomu argued that the way America handles its
challenges will determine if it will continue to be influential
on the global stage.
Giving the discussion a historical perspective, Robert
Kirunda said the world has been changing even before
Trump became US president. “The factors realigning the
world has very little to do with America first.” He added
that Trump does not even have intelligent policies on the
America first policy and wondered if the policy is only
about jobs and the military, or about Trump.
So, is America’s declining global hegemony
impacting the affairs of the world and the balance
of power; or is this a mere phase America is going
through?
Samuel Carcanague said the US cannot be the policeman
of the world anymore, even if it is still strong on the global
stage. “China is the businessman of the world. Russia is
the policeman of the world. America is leading in new
technology.”
Coming to the impacts on Africa specifically, Angelo
Izama pointed to the disinterest of America in Africa
under President Donald Trump, as evidenced by his
withdrawal of sanctions against Sudan’s Omar el-
Bashir’s government, and the replacement of US troops
on the continent and, particularly, in Somalia. He, however,
asserted that Trump’s isolationism has helped people
outside the US rethink key issues, such as identity politics
for Africans. “The idea that you need a policeman to
make you behave well is toxic. Trump’s policy of America
first, isolationism is dangerous for Africans.”
In their concluding remarks, the panellists echoed
the need for Africa and its leaders to be on top of
their game as emerging economic powers, such as
China, troop into the continent in what has been
termed the second scramble for Africa.
For Ikomu, the label for this phase does not matter.
What matters, however, is how Africa positions itself and
whether people will look at it as an opportunity.

Kirunda wondered what “Africa’s strategic interest” is
before stating that the continent’s problems are caused
by the continent’s leaders and, as such, solutions should
be got from within. “We shouldn’t be asking what the EU
has done for us. Foreign policy is selfish in nature.”
Izama dismissed the concept of state sovereignty and
called for countries to open their borders for true
globalisation to happen. “Sovereignty is a prison; it was
imposed on Africa.”

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Michel Maietta explained that ignoring minorities slows
down development and can trigger factors antagonistic
to development. He juxtaposed the point with a situation
where motorists on a busy Kampala street ignore a car
that has broken down, and the problem ends up wasting
everyone’s time.
The panels focused the discussion on women, and
what states lose by excluding them.
Maggie Kigozi argued that since they are the majority,
women can contribute a lot but only if the culture of
patriarchy is erased. “Women do better business
because they mind about their workforce. Profits from
women’s businesses help improve the family’s welfare,
because they care about family first, not bars.”
Maietta concurred, noting that women are powerful
and creative, and that obstacles to their development
basing on cultural ideologies since time immemorial, has
kept many of them from rising. “Development requires
that we go beyond gender and groups. Talents are
everywhere, even the farthest from you needs space for
development,” he said.
Maxime Houinato said many women farmers remain
poor because they do not control the land they use since
their husbands can decide to sell the land anytime.
He said women are more responsible and can benefit
society more if allowed to independently engage in
economic activities.
The panellists highlighted the high cost of excluding
minorities and emphasised the need to include
their voices before any development decision is
taken.
Maxime shared that countries that rank high on gender
equality are economically strong. “Gender discrimination
costs the world USD 12 trillion and 16 per cent of global
income is lost annually. In India, balancing distribution of
fertilisers equally between women and men increases
production by 30 per cent. So gender equality is free
money that Uganda is not tapping.”
Nalule Safia Jjuuko said it is important to give minorities
a political voice because they have inherent human
rights and needs, irrespective of their physical abilities
or numbers. “There is need for wide consultation of
every minority group before policies are made and
implemented.”

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Kenneth Kimuli (aka Pablo) opened the discussion with
praise for the film’s positive portrayal of Africa and its
celebration of women evidenced by the ruthless female
warriors. “The lead and the villain were black people.
Usually, black is associated with evil, for instance you
have blackmail, black spot etc., but not in Black Panther,”
he said, drawing laughter. Unlike long-held narratives of
Africa as a place of hunger, war, disease and illiteracy,
Pablo said the film depicts Africa as a place of peace
and development.
In a digression, Nana Kagga slammed the film as “a
bubblegum story that simply scratched the surface”.
She said Black Panther did not celebrate Afro-futurism
and an organic Africa, while the all-black cast actually
had only one African – Lupita Nyong’o – while the rest
are of African descent. The female warriors, Kagga
said, already existed in West Arica, just like vibranium.
“There’s nothing new.” She added that Black Panther
portrayed the continent as a single country, thus robbing
it of diversity. “Black Panther was a phenomenon but not
Africa’s phenomenon.”
Prof. Dominica Dipio disagreed with Kagga, and praised
the film for its Pan-African concept. She added that
Wakanda is a fictional place and the perception of
Africa as a country should not be taken out of context.
The professor emphasised that even if Black Panther is
not necessarily an African film, it indicates that finally,
Hollywood recognises Africa. “Fiction and magical realism
make you dream and envision possibilities.”
Sammy Wetala gave a political spin to his submission
by stating that in Wakanda, older people like Jabari,
who knew everything about the kingdom, did not try to
usurp power but instead guided the young and new ruler
Tchala. “Wakanda is fiction but the concept is real and
we can learn from it and use it to shape our future. The
old should be willing to give space and opportunity for
young leaders to take over. Rather than fight them, they
should guide them.”

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Sylvie Matelly kicked off the discussion by pointing out
the need to double-check all information, adding that
the responsibility should be greater for journalists who
are information disseminators. She traced fake news to
a pre-social media era. “Many years ago, even before
social media, people were convinced that the earth was
flat and that kings were divine. That was a form of fake
news.”
Fake news has made work difficult for mainstream
media, according to Dickens Okello. “This fake news
phenomenon has affected our work because we must
break news instantly and yet in doing so, one can easily
become a victim.” He castigated practices by some
media houses who write obituaries of incumbent leaders
before they die, saying the practice is inhumane and
dangerous. “If fake news were to trickle on social media
about the death of such a leader, it’s easy for a media
house to fall prey by publishing the obituary.”
As the fake news phenomenon gets widespread,
questions remain as to whether universities and
journalism schools are adjusting their curriculum
to reflect the challenge.
Dr. William Tayebwa argued that the tenets of journalism
– such as truth, balance, being ethical and humane – have
not changed. “We are retooling [journalism students]
but the cardinal principles upon which journalism works
shouldn’t fail.” He defined fake news in three ways:
• Disinformation (blatant falsehoods)
• Misinformation (partial presentation of facts)
• Malinformation (presentation of information in bad
taste to highlight a particular narrative)
Vincent N’gethe elaborated that fake news campaigners
now target big media houses to sow seeds of doubt and
damage their credibility. To maintain trust and counter
fake news, N’gethe recommended the following:
• Journalists should tell their audiences how they
acquired their content.
• Investment should be made in extra fact-checking
systems.
• Information should be verified regardless of the
platform.
• It is not enough to get information from a reputable
source, organisation or entity. Fake news does not
spare them either.
The panellists also weighed in on the political
dimension to fake news and how leaders use
the cover of fake news to discredit media
organisations.
Dr. Tayebwa noted that fake news has also become a
political construct. “Anything that’s presented, if it’s an
inconvenient truth, becomes fake news.”
Christoph Plate agreed, noting that some politicians are
scared of social media. He emphasised that responsibility
should be central to social media use and, for journalists,
confirming information first before breaking it. “It’s good
to have a strong backbone and say, we need to verify.”
N’gethe said journalists should be alert to governments
that want their own version of truth. “Most governments
want to use their own definitions of fake news. We have
to make sure we are not being manipulated.”
Matelly concurred, stating that leaders understand the
power of social media, and have managed to convince
the minority that real news is fake news.

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Innocent Ndahiriwe opened the discussion by echoing that
Uganda will maintain its open-door policy to refugees,
who will enjoy freedom of movement, access to education,
health, jobs and other services. “We shall not stop until they
[refugees] feel that circumstances that forced them out of
their country have ceased.”
Michel Maietta said migration has been part of humanity
since time immemorial and, as such, refugees should be
accommodated. “There are nations that did not know
boundaries. A refugee is not a problem but a reality; they
have to relocate to survive.”
In the spirit of genuine globalisation, Andie Lambe said
the world should open its doors to refugees. “You can’t
aim for globalisation and want to go back to nationalism at
your convenience.” He said America was built on migration
and yet it is putting up walls against people with genuine
reasons to migrate. “There should be policies in place so
that movement is less dangerous and less tragic.”
As Europe and America continue to slam doors
in the faces of refugees, Uganda’s open-door
approach to refugees and migrants has raised
questions about sustainability and affordability.
Thomas Volke advised leaders in Uganda and other
countries to create a distinction between a refugee and a
migrant, and to make migration legal to reduce illegal and
perilous ways of cross-border movement. “There must
be legal migration, for instance, based on scholarships to
reduce dangerous ways of immigration or crossing waters
and borders, that lead to loss of lives.”
However, Charles Kasozi, a student, said Uganda risks
sinking into xenophobia if it does not check its refugee
policy. “Receiving refugees is a kind gesture, but getting
more than we can keep is unrealistic, because we will end
up depriving our citizens of basic needs and failing to make
the refugees live dignified lives.” Kasozi argued that since
many youths are unemployed, receiving more refugees
implies that unemployment rates will soar, and the citizens
and asylum seekers will start fighting for the limited jobs.

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Ivan Bwowe took a swipe at leaders who overstay in power
but keep reiterating that the youth are the future. “The
promise of youth being the future has been vulgarised.”
He said African governments look at young people as
liabilities instead of assets even when they are more than
half the population of most countries on the continent. “We
are the most endangered species that is the majority.”
Scheaffer Okore agreed, noting that bureaucracy and
huge government spending make it impossible for
young people to get employment. “You can’t have a big
government and then tax people to fund those who are not
even doing their job.”
However, Lillian Aber disagreed, noting that there is already
government goodwill to ensure that things get better for
the youth. “It starts with us. It starts with what attitude
we have.”
The country’s education system has for long
been derided as theoretical and out of touch with
current employment needs.
Pascal Boniface said that in France, the more educated a
youth is, the more hopeful they get about opportunities.
Bwowe said Uganda’s education system forces learners
to cram to pass exams instead of getting equipped with
the necessary skills and knowledge. “The education system
should allow everyone to flourish, not a few of us.”
On his part, Victor Ochen said getting an education does
not guarantee one a job in Uganda. “After studying,
youths fail to get jobs and people start asking, ‘Did you
study unemployment?’”
While young people often accuse the government
of not doing enough for them, some panellists
think all actors should play their part.
While acknowledging that young people face several issues,
such as underemployment and underpay, Aber said, “No
one is going to get you out of bed and give you a job”.
However, Ochen thinks that some governments are out to
intentionally keep young people poor. “We need to move
away from politics of poverty; making people poor so that
you suppress them.”
Okore emphasised that those in power do not want to be
challenged. “Everybody wants you [youth] to have a voice,
to be courageous until you stand up to them.”
In their parting shots, the panellists called for
inclusiveness in opportunities and for those in
power to stop holding young people hostage.
Ochen said the government needs to protect the most
vulnerable in society, like the cobbler in Arua who cannot
talk to his client on WhatsApp because he cannot afford to
pay social media tax. “There are people in this country who
have 10 jobs; jobs that are for the same family, jobs that
are for people from the same region.”
Okore appealed for honesty in the demands that people
make of young people, and for those in power to stop
holding young people hostage owing to the roles they played
in the past. “I hate the glamourisation of the struggle. Don’t
glamourise structural failure. We don’t have to go through
the same struggle our forefathers went through as
young people; it would mean they all failed us.”

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To start off the discussion, Amb. Albrecht Conze declared
that, currently, “multilateralism seems useless”. He said
the European Union failed to convince the majority of the
states about its significance and to stop Britain from exiting
the organisation (BREXIT).
He also took a dig at the UN, stating that the organisation
is run by five privileged countries and yet they do not
represent the five most important issues of today. He was
making reference to the five permanent members of the
UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, the United
Kingdom and the United States. “I do not think there are
any countries in the world that are up to the promises they
make; multilateralism has failed.”
However, Amb. Domenico Fornara disagreed, noting that a
lot of changes have occurred in the last 75 years of UN’s
existence. “We have improved tremendously because
we have instruments that we didn’t have back before
World War II. We have agencies and offices, which deliver
humanitarian aid, mediation, economic aid that did not
exist.”
Multilateralism or diplomacy is how comprehensive
national power is applied to the peaceful
adjustment of differences between states. It
may be backed by the threat to apply punitive
measures or to use force but is overtly nonviolent.
Betty Bigombe said that while diplomacy is good, it should
be backed by power, honesty and the commitment of
parties involved in conflict. “The role Kofi Annan played
in Kenya was big; perhaps Kenya would have gone into a
full-scale war if the diplomacy had not worked to end the
conflict.” Former UN secretary general Annan played a
big role in mediating and ending the bloody post-election
violence in Kenya in 2007/8.
Olivier de France said diplomacy is no longer a prerogative
of nation-states but it is for everyone. “Diplomacy is too
important to leave to a diplomat,” he asserted.
Bigombe agreed, revealing that sometimes countries point
to their sovereignty as a reason to shun diplomacy. “I have
seen this in the South Sudan conflict mediation where the
government is accusing the governments of UK, USA and
Norway of wanting regime change.”
The panellists also concurred that social media
has changed the way leaders communicate and
how the public receives, processes and shares
such information. They, however, called for
cautious and responsible use of the platform.
Bigombe said that “tweet diplomacy” ensures immediate
feedback, can be used to mobilise people for universally
advantageous causes, creates space for dialogue and
keeps citizens in touch with their leaders. She, however,
advised leaders to use Twitter with caution. “Tweet
diplomacy needs to be used carefully because it can
trigger conflict and chaos.”
Amb. Fornara concurred, and urged diplomats to doublecheck
content before sharing it “to avoid being dragged into
a discussion where no one is winning”. He said that unlike in
the past where leaders could write letters whose content
was checked and verified, today everyone is a researcher, a
communicator and a publisher, thus increasing the chances
of unchecked information getting to the public.
Several world leaders have taken to Twitter to communicate
major political and economic actions, sometimes straining,
rather than maintaining, diplomatic ties.

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Mwambutsya Ndebesa asserted that while religion may
not be at the core of conflict, “it has provided itself as an
instrument to be used for fighting wars”. He argued that
political oppressors have used religion to legitimise their
power and claim that they are divinely appointed.
The discussion then moved on to address the
tendency to link Islam to terrorism.
Thomas Volk said that a monolithic Islam does not exist,
and that some people who identify as Muslim today do not
even speak Arabic and therefore do not really understand
what is written in the Quran. Volk pointed out that 99.9 per
cent of Muslims live peacefully but that only 0.1 per cent per
cent are radicals and extremists.
Ahmed Hadji said that when he survived the terrorist attack
at Kyadondo Rugby Club, Kampala, in 2010, he overheard
people saying that Muslims were behind the incident. “Islam
is a pure and deeply humane religion. It says I wish for my
brother what I wish for others. Many extremists invoke
outdated texts for political ambition.”
Hadji said it is absurd that every time there is crime, for
instance the killing of sheikhs in Uganda, the first suspect is
a Muslim. “We [Muslims] are treated as ‘the other’.”
Maximiano Ngabirano, who is also a Catholic priest,
said religion has been captured by ideology and politics.
“Religion has always been used by politicians to rally
support. People have been known to join wars on religious
background. A story is told of how military chaplains would
bless ammunition before a war.”
On the role religion plays in creating tension, Leah Erenyu
said that while religion is a source of social cohesion,
shared values, common goals and togetherness in time of
hardships, it has also been used as a form of social control
to keep people in check. “It is used to further a particular
agenda.”
Ndebesa said there will never be a time when there is no
tension created by religion, but added that it can be a great
tool to promote peace if not abused. “It’s only a problem
when that tension is destructive.”
Hadji, on the other hand, said there are underlying issues
that need to be addressed, such as the interpretation
of texts and religious literature. “We need to understand
before we simplistically engage. Step away from cheap
narratives.”
Sr Dominica Dipio, a participant, asked if there is something
in the text of the Quran that lends itself to misinterpretation.
To that, Volk responded that there is need to speak about
the root cause of radicalisation of religious texts and
alphabet.
Ndebesa concluded the discussion by stating that religion
should borrow a leaf from secularism which does not
impose and is open to pluralism.

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When the panel sessions ended, the participants relocated
to Freedom Square for an entertainment treat by A Ka Dope
Band, DJ Slick Stuart and Roja, and Jose Chameleone.
A Ka Dope Band breathed life into the crowd through music
varying from European, African to American pop. They
gently but persistently cajoled the crowd into listening, then
swaying, and by the time they did their last song – a cover
of Sam Fan Thomas’ African Typic Collection – the crowd
was dancing to the live band performance.
After the band was done, DJ Roja and Slick Stuart took
to their decks. Their hype-man Allan rallied the everincreasing
crowd to dance and sing along to the music. The
once laid back crowd now danced in all manner of styles,
including jumping, riding imaginary chain trains, while some
sang or laughed for no reason at all.
Then, Jose Chameleon stepped onto the stage. He put up
an electric performance. Those who could not dance for
one reason or another managed a rhythmic nod. A few
minutes past 8 p.m., the musical treat came to an end.

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The last day of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference at
Makerere University opened on a light note. In the Main
Hall, dancers and poets brought down the roof with their
performances. The homogeneity of body movement as
the three dancers twirled, jumped and swayed left many
in awe.
The interlude of poetry in between dance provided a
moment of reflection. Songa Bahati, who has lived in
Uganda for four years as a refugee from the Democratic
Republic of Congo, gripped the audience with his message
about climate change.
Do we know that future refugees
will be climate refugees?
Do we listen to the voice of the earth
crying about the trees we cut down?
Selfishness is our sickness.
I hope we listen to the voice
coming from this stage.
Let us plant trees
because future refugees
can be climate refugees.
When performance poet Patience Laker got on stage, she
appealed for personal responsibility for environmental
protection:
Would you cry as you watch
Mother Nature fall to her knees
because you’ve cut all the trees?
What happens when we wake up
one day and there’s nothing
but people – no trees, no rivers?
Let’s talk about climate change
for a change.
When we are done talking,
let’s walk the talk.
The poets and dancers concluded their performances to
cheers from the audience, paving way for the day’s panel
sessions.
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A lot of money is trickling into sub-Saharan Africa,
according to Hashim Wasswa Mulangwa. He explained that
the West is losing investment ground because “economic
strength is shifting to the East”. This, he argues, does not,
however, mean that Africa has completely lost control over
its economy.
Madina Guloba asserted that the arrival of new players is
good. She cited the example of visible Chinese-supported
projects at the grass roots. Sylvie Matelly concurred, stating
that new players in Africa are an indication of investment
opportunities. She, however, emphasised that Africans
must decide on what they want for their countries.
In contrast, Andrew Elias State said the continent faces a
challenge of being trapped in foreign investments amidst
the scramble to invest and control. He argued that by
opening its doors indiscriminately to investors, our
leaders are inadvertently mortgaging the future of
young people. “Are we going to live in the shackles of these
investments?”
Thomas Schiller says he foresees Africa as a very huge
market, something that will require putting right certain
shortfalls, such as lack of adherence to the rule of law and
unreliable power supply.
While it is not in doubt that new players are here
and are changing the market and investment
landscape in Africa, the question that remained
was whether Africa is ready.
Mulangwa argued that Africa is “consistently not ready.
We have policies and strategies in place but we don’t see
them through.”
Guloba believes there is need for a rethink of policies that
work beyond individual countries. “We are still stuck with
policies that work for Uganda and not for Uganda and its
engagement with Kenya, for instance.”
Schiller argued that even with new players on the continent,
Africa is not attracting enough foreign direct investment.
He said it does not matter where the investors are from or
who they are but whether the investments are being made
in areas that matter.
Is Africa reaping enough from new players?
Elias thinks Africa needs to gain more from new players in
its backyard. “We need to ask why we have only 2 per cent
investors a year but they reap the highest.”
Guloba thinks the problem lies in the scramble for
multinationals by African countries. “The politicians give
them [multinationals] low taxes and the country gets a raw
deal. The politicians don’t see ahead.”
The way forward, according to Elias, is for Africa to sort
out its politics. He decried the disunited manner in which
African leaders negotiate with foreign economic players
and potential investors, which places the continent at a
disadvantage. He cited instances where African presidents
go to China and India as individuals and not as a group.
“We need to increase our purchasing power. I don’t think we
have that purchasing power.”
Mulangwa says the solution lies in the hands of the youth.
“The choices made by those in power today are driven by
the interests of those in power. I think it’s high time young
people rose up to talk and challenge it.”
Members of the audience recommended two key
action points:
• Africa needs new leaders who can drive the continent’s
agenda.
• Policies that protect the environment from waste and
investment activities are crucial.

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Democracy is a process, not an event, Julius Kiiza said
in his opening submission. He said people who refuse to
speak out when things go wrong are to blame for a failing
democracy. “The biggest threat to democratisation is me
and you…those who can do something but choose to remain
quiet.”
Perry Aritua said democracy in Uganda has failed to
materialise because of human rights abuses. “How many
of us spoke out when journalists were being beaten during
the Arua by-election campaigns?” she asked, in reference
to the beating up and detention of journalists during the
riotous Arua by-election in August 2018.
However, Simone Osborn thinks that democratisation
requires patience and energy to cultivate it over time, not
just the voices of citizens. “People say they hear democracy
knocking on the door. But are they willing to open doors for
democracy?”
The panellists moved on to assess whether there
is still hope for democracy is African countries.
Mugisha Muntu said that democracy will succeed because
of the inherent human desire for freedom. He, however,
called on the populace to act instead of only complaining.
“People who want good governance should participate.
The more you stay back, the more you create a vacuum to
be filled by rogues.”
Nicholas Opiyo, on the other hand, noted that for
democracy to be meaningful, the education system has
to be reformed. “Uganda’s education system does not
produce creative and confident people to stand up and
cause change. It concentrates on memory and theories.
Such does not cause the necessary critical mass capable
of participating in politics.”
Since the threats to democracy seem to be
known, the speakers talked about the way
forward.
Forcing leaders to leave power when they are no longer
serving in the interest of their electorate is one of the
solutions, according to Kiiza. “Most African leaders think
that they fought and liberated their countries and need to
rule until they die; tolerate good leaders but fight the bad
ones.” He castigated elected leaders who want to become
“presidential monarchs” immune to criticism. “There is a
resurgence of intolerance and this is something to worry
about.”
Another solution, according to Muntu, is for capable leaders
who can tilt the balance of power in favour of the masses,
to join politics. “While there are many honest people with
integrity and educated people with capability to influence
politics to a much higher level, they shun participation in
that important pillar of human existence.” Muntu added
that strong institutions are also helpful as they work to
check leaders who advance individual interests.
Aritua argued that speaking out and being aware of
counter-narratives against democracy are crucial.
In his parting remarks, Opiyo argued that the level of
awareness about government systems and how they
impact lives, depends on people’s involvement in the push
for democracy. “Across this country, many people still do
not understand the reason there are jiggers in Kamuli and
its direct link with the system of governance and poverty.”

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Pascal Boniface launched the discussion by asserting that
sport creates national identity, speaks to individuals and
aids international relations owing to its soft power aspect.
He gave the example of the World Cup winner, France, and
how their victory has propelled them onto the world stage.
For William Blick, sport is a multibillion business whose
growth is bigger than the Gross Domestic Product of some
countries. He added that sport is a unifier of countries and
gave the example of North and South Korea who put aside
their differences to form a unified Korean sports team; and
South Africa’s Nelson Mandela who used sports to help
unite his divided country during apartheid.
Carole Gomez highlighted the huge investment companies
are making in the industry, an indication of its significance.
“Big tech companies like Google are now investing in sport.
Even civil society is getting on board by encouraging
promotion of gender equality and engagement of people
with disabilities in sport.”
To emphasise the soft power aspect of sport, Gomez
pointed out that newly independent countries look to
sport to reach out to the world. “The first thing countries
do when they become independent is ask to become
members of FIFA. Because that way, they can meet people,
be recognised as an entity and gain many other benefits. ”
With agreement reached on how significant
sport is as an industry, the panellists addressed
the question of whether this significance is
appreciated by individuals and governments.
Blick said that in Uganda, the government has invested
in sport infrastructure, notably the high altitude training
centre in Kapchorwa district.
However, Penninah Kabenge disagreed, arguing that in
Uganda, parents only look to academics for their children
and not sport; while different stakeholders, including
leaders, the media and government do not appreciate the
industry enough. She decried the absence of professional
coaches and the dilapidated sports facilities in the country.
Elly Mwesigye thinks that in Uganda, the government
needs to invest in sport and not just in individual athletes
who make strides; make available professional actors
and ensure that athletes, known or unknown, get the
opportunity to participate in sport of their choice and that
suits their abilities.

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Milton Mutto believes that populist leaders are emerging
because citizens are beginning to put the tough questions
to those in power. “People are asking, ‘Why are we here?
Why are we reaping little despite investing much?’”
Mareike Le Pelley thinks frustration with socio-economic
factors is driving the craving for populist leaders. “At the
core is poverty. Simple answers to complex questions are
what populist agenda offers.”
Boniface Pascal used the example of US president Trump
and his Russian counterpart Vladmir Putin to argue that
populism is a blurry concept. He said that while the two
leaders hold populist ideals at varying levels, “Putin has a
long-term vision of the world and his country [while] Trump
doesn’t.”
But how has the situation been in Africa? Do
populist leaders or other types abound on the
continent? The panellists took a historical dive into
the types of leadership on the continent.
Sarah Kasande Kihika noted that “politics in Africa has
always had a masculine face” and since colonial times, male
leaders have been projected as powerful. Kihika said that
male leaders created a cult following using the rhetoric of
anti-imperialism and preserving African culture yet all they
were doing was preserving their status.
“We are seeing a wave – young people are rejecting
revolutionary narratives and male deities.”
She decried the lack of representation of young people in
politics.
However, Mutto strongly disagreed with the idea that
young people should be a separate bloc of the population.
“We should reject polarising the population. So, the young
people are against who? I don’t think fracturing the
population helps but knowing what the problems are.”
Mutto said that Uganda, and Africa at large, is experiencing
a generational transition in leadership and that it is time
up for leaders who came to power at independence. “The
people at the helm of power are afraid of what the future
looks like and yet their ideas no longer work.” He said that
what makes African leaders strong are their godparents
from other parts of the world.
What about China’s leadership disposition of
communism; is it something to be emulated?
Mareike said that while there seems to be success with
regard to China’s leadership dispensation, it is at the
expense of the environment and human rights. Kihika
expanded on Mareike’s point on human rights, stressing
that across the world, the regression in human rights is an
outcome of populist leaders.
To wrap up the discussion, the panellists presented the
way forward for leadership on the continent.
Education and putting power at the centre, according to
Mareike, is what will rescue the leadership situation on a
continent that, she says, is dealing with alpha male leaders.
“Why are people not gathering around issues? You don’t
have to wait for people to give you transport allowance.”
Kihika said the contribution of young people in leadership
should not be underrated. She said that African strongmen
have learnt to use democratic ideals to serve their interests,
such as holding frequent elections. “We shouldn’t discredit
the involvement of youth in decision-making. It’s important.”
However, Mutto said that there is need to come up with a
well-thought-out agenda for change. He again rejected the
idea of disaggregating the population as youth or women.
“Dismembering the population doesn’t work. The leaders of
the system have cut a small cake and given it to the youth.
But we want the whole cake.”

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AK47-wielding people are to blame for the continent’s
instability, according to Betty Bigombe. “They should be
protecting people but, instead, they are protecting the
government from disgruntled people.” She recommended
adherence to the principles of democracy that places the
needs of citizens above those of politicians.
Angelo Izama said that commercialisation of politics, the
corrosion of public institutions, undermining the pillars of
government and the loss of confidence in the Judiciary
are to blame for the absence of peace and stability on the
continent.
But are local approaches to attaining peace
better than international efforts? What else
can countries explore, other than military
interventions? The panellists pointed at dialogue,
opening borders and a responsible media.
Rosa Malango said that those closest to a given problem
have a role to play. She said that there is need to rethink
governance and democracy, and to explore intergenerational
dialogue on issues. “Youth are stakeholders that must be
heard. Recognise and give dignity to solutions by youth.”
Izama said that when African leaders fronted the idea
of African solutions to African problems, the Europeans,
Americans and the rest of the world thought that they had
a hidden agenda. In response, Malango said that African
solutions are not that different from other solutions.
Melha Rout Biel said that dialogue and building institutions
that work are key to peaceful and stable economies,
rather than military interventions, which are expensive,
destructive and divisive. Democracy, he said, is not just
about elections. “We must have term limits. No one should
rule for more than two terms. Leaders should also allow
people to criticise [them] and to demonstrate. They should
empower other actors such as civil society organisations.”
Izama recommended that we should pretend that borders
do not exist and allow progressive sections of society to
live together, for instance the Bakonzo in Uganda and the
Bakonzo in DR Congo. Izama called for a reduction in the
size of government. “The political class is too big. We need
to reduce the number of politicians.”
On South Sudan, Izama said we let the new country down
by keeping quiet about what the country’s elite were doing.
He pointed out that the media can be bought into silence
about an issue in society. “We let them [South Sudanese]
down.”
Biel concurred with Izama on the media question, and
urged the fourth estate to be informed. “Don’t write for the
sake of writing. You write about South Sudan from Kenya
when you have no idea what you are talking about.”
Bigombe tasked leaders to be honest with one another.

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To kick off the discussion, Virginie Leroy said that safe
agricultural practices will ensure sufficient harvest from
small-scale farmers, who actually feed the population.
Destruction of forests and soil degradation, Leroy says, is
hurting agricultural production.
Agnes Kirabo said that the agriculture sector has the
ability to fill every individual’s purse and bank accounts, but
cautioned that agriculture for food should not be ignored.
“The agricultural sector has the potential because it has
market. It has billions of mouths in the world to feed. It has
the potential to end poverty and transform economies.”
Humphrey Mutasa said that for people to benefit from
agriculture twice (filling both the stomach and purse),
investing time in it is paramount. “The reason why our
offices are developing and filling our purses is because we
go at 8 a.m. and leave at 6 p.m. Who told you to leave
your office called agriculture at 10 a.m.? And you want your
purses to be filled?”
The panellists warned that most developing countries will
continue seeking assistance for food from the outside
world if the tendency of doing things simply for the sake of
it is done away with.

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Amb. Deborah Malac opened the discussion by expressing
support for the all-female panel. “If this panel was all male,
there won’t be an issue.” She shared that working in the US
Foreign Service as a woman “was a decided disadvantage”
before things changed. Being more efficient was one way in
which they overcame the challenges, she said.
Dr Maggie Kigozi underscored the importance of education
to the rise of powerful women as well as support from
women in business who, in her case, helped her grow.
For Winnie Kiiza, her challenge as the first female Leader
of Opposition in the Ugandan Parliament was standing
up to those who told her “not to work like a man”, which
meant keeping in the background, as is socially expected
of women.
Challenges have been faced, some overcome, but
how can women continue to progress?
Sarah Ssali said that care should be taken not to stereotype
women but to acknowledge the incompatibility of women
and power according to society’s lenses. “It’s high time
we stopped putting a lot of blame on women. Women
work twice as hard, why? Because they have to prove
themselves.”
Co-existence between men and women is also the way
to go, according to Barbie Kyagulanyi, who is married to
Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi. “We are a powerful
couple. It’s possible to exist as a powerful couple.” She
advised women “to bite more than they can chew” and
figure out how to chew it.
Amb. Malac, Dr Kigozi and Hon. Kiiza noted that unequal
pay and underpay cannot be overcome if women remain
silent. Hon. Kiiza pointed out that though woman MPs are in
charge of an entire district, they still get the same salary as
male MPs who have only one constituency to take care of.
“Even if there’s affirmative action, there is no affirmative
action to many women.”
The panellists shared their views on whether men
should be allies in the rise of powerful women,
emphasising that collaboration should happen
organically but should not be forced.
Kiiza thinks that men can be partners in women’s causes.
She called for bringing “more men on board to treat each
other with dignity.”
However, Ssali disagreed, noting that “if you ask the
powerless to educate/change the powerful, it won’t work.”
She argued that attention needs to be paid to things
that make women fail to break the glass ceiling. “Women
shouldn’t wait for men to offer support.”
What does the future hold for powerful women?
Kiiza said that while the most difficult job in the world is
being Leader of Opposition in Parliament, she is ready to
become president of Uganda. “When people ask, ‘Who do
you think can take over from Museveni?’ I tell them, myself,
because I am competent.”
Barbie said she is already the First Lady of Uganda and her
husband, Kyagulanyi, is the president. “I’m already the First
Lady. Go and ask people in the ghetto.”
The panellists concluded that women need to aspire for
greatness, and to believe that it is possible to achieve great
things.
The audience made key recommendations:
• Instead of giving 1.5 extra points to girls joining university,
give them scholarships.
• Involve men in the fight against the abuse of women.
• Women should be ready for and seize the opportunities
at their disposal.

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H.E. Attilio Pacifici said that integration is the way to go.
He pointed out that besides trade, the European Union
was formed to create common goals and avoid war.
Attilio emphasised that a balance can be struck between
sovereignty and integration. “Variety is our biggest
strength.”
However, Philip Kasaija argued that the East African
Community has structures but no real functionality.
“Does EAC make sense to the ordinary person? There is
disconnect between reality and theory. It is supposed to be
private sector-led and people-centreed, but is it?”
Beatrice Kiraso chided Kasaija for disputing the functional
existence of EAC, and stressed that countries “are small
and weak alone…It’s not perfect but there is hope. Strides
may not be as big and fast but they exist. Let’s not dismiss
that there is no EAC.”
Is there an alternative to integration?
Andrew Mwenda thinks that military intervention is the
best form of integration the EAC can embrace since it
attracts trade. “Wherever Ugandan troops go, our traders
follow.” He said that in East Africa, integration will increase
income disparities since Kenya, which is more economically
stable, would enjoy more trade benefits and the poorer
countries would become despondent. Mwenda also said
that creating one big block would increase bureaucracy
and stifle development.
The audience recommended the following:
• If integration is to happen, citizens need to understand
it and what they will reap.
• Countries cannot deal with issues alone, thus the need
for integration.

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