At a young age, Arinaitwe lost his parents and four siblings to infectious diseases, which included HIV/AIDS in rural western Uganda. As an “AIDS orphan” (a phrase which he uses critically), he experienced the often-problematic international development system first hand. In his essay, he wrote, “I encountered a republic of NGOs claiming their legitimacy in …
The sweet potato has a secret identity. It's not just the food upon which marshmallows are heaped and maple syrup is poured to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. It is also a staple of the African diet. And Africans who eat it feel passionately about it. For some, it kindles warm memories. For some, it's …
On October 14, Luket Ministries, an Oklahoma missionary group working in Eastern Uganda, released a music video that has caused quite a stir. In the 5 minute, 13 second video, seven young white women are dressed in gomesi — the traditional and esteemed long dresses of the Baganda, a central Uganda ethnic group. The women dance to Justin Timberlake's …
It's been 27 years since my last conversation with my mother. Like many girls born in rural Uganda in the late 1950s, she did not finish school before she was married off. She often told me, "I never got my degree but one day, my little man, you will." She instilled in me the value …
Dear Pope Francis, We're excited to welcome you to Uganda. Catholics make up nearly half of the Christian population here — and they're eager to meet you! Our's is a lovely country. Buzzfeed ranked us the 13th most beautiful country in the world! (But of course, we think it's No. 1.) Still, Uganda has got its fair share of …