Greetings from Kampala, Uganda

I arrived in Kampala again yesterday. It has been almost 3 years since I was last here and it is interesting to see how this place has progressed since then. There are some good signs around, especially the presence of new buildings, and it is good to catch up with those who still remember me (favourably)! I like the Ugandans: they are very friendly and very capable too, and often willing to work towards a better future.

I guess that for many African countries, it is just good to see the place remain peaceful and not to degenerate back into chaos and economic collapse, as sadly seems to be all too common in this part of the world. I just hope that the economic growth here (and elsewhere) will be strong and long enough to create a critical mass of 'middle class' people, who are sufficiently well educated to understand the wider implications of their actions, and sufficiently well off and confident in their futures, to be able to look beyond their own personal and immediate needs. However, I was reminded yesterday (by a local) that Uganda has never seen a peaceful transition of power in its history. It is sad to see how common it is for political leaders to hang onto power well past their "sell by" date, through various shenanigans, fair or (more usually) foul, with the sad result that the good that they often do in their early days of power (and their reputations) is overwhelmed and undone by their later years. We can but hope for the best and help.