At the start of the
20th century, Winston Churchill baptized Uganda as the
“Pearl of Africa” because of its fertile soils, great system of
lakes and waterways, green topography, mild weather and the
entrepreneurial quality and beauty of its people. He was struck by
the vitality, eagerness and intelligence of Ugandans. British
visitors to Africa were urged to stop in Uganda to enjoy its
ecological and human beauty.
Because of their
entrepreneurial and hardworking spirit, Ugandans were dubbed the
“Chinese” and later the “Japanese” of Africa. Their high
demand for better quality manufactured imports caused Ugandans to
work so hard that within fifteen years of colonial rule, Uganda’s
economy and revenue from taxes were growing so fast that it graduated
from British treasury donations. British officials in London and
Entebbe were so impressed with Ugandans’ performance and discipline
that they dropped the idea of white settlers.
As part of post-WWII
reconstruction, Uganda was selected as the industrial hub of East
Africa. Queen Elizabeth II personally commissioned the Jinja
Hydroelectric scheme to serve as the engine of industrial development
that would create jobs, restructure Uganda’s economy and reduce
imports of manufactured products. Makerere University produced high
quality human capital to manage Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)
and other sectors.
The first decade of
independence witnessed rapid economic growth reaching 11 percent in
1969 and generating adequate resources for infrastructural and social
development in roads, schools and hospitals.
The ideological Cold
War in Africa brought Uganda into the conflict between Capitalism and
Communism forcing the government out of power in 1971.
A regime described
as “barbarian” came to power and the “Dark Ages” descended
upon Uganda. Like in medieval Europe where instability caused by
‘barbarian” invasions drove urban populations to rural areas,
many Ugandans left towns for the countryside where they were poorly
housed, poorly fed and poorly dressed. Law and order broke down and
those who could get out of the country did so en masse. Economic
growth dropped sharply for lack of financial and human capital –
and good governance. To divert attention from internal dissent,
Uganda invaded a neighboring country which resulted in the government
being overthrown.
One of the parties
in the 1980 elections campaigned on the slogan that the “Pearl of
Africa is Rising and Shining again”, reminding people of the good
old days. Between 1981 and 1984, the “Pearl of Africa” rose again
– a bit. Reports showed that economic stabilization, falling
consumer prices, rising export earnings and government revenue in
excess of expenditure had been realized.
However, internal
conflicts, a guerrilla war and withdrawal of support by some of the
major donors dealt a severe blow to the “Rising and Shinning Pearl
of Africa”.
From 1986 to the
dawn of the 21st century, the “Pearl of Africa” rose
fast and shone bright. Economic growth reached 10 percent in the
mid-1990s, inflation control reached single digits, privatization and
liberalization of the economy rolled on and success was realized in
HIV and AIDS pandemic and Universal Primary Education (UPE). Uganda
was dubbed a “success story” to be emulated by other countries
wishing to make poverty history.
As a reward, Uganda
appeared on front pages of major newspapers around the world, major
conferences were held in Kampala so that participants can draw
lessons for emulation back home and Uganda became a keynote speaker
at major international conferences to share its experiences. Uganda
attended regularly the annual Summits of G8 most developed economies
in the world.
Since the 21st century Uganda’s image has been adversely affected by a number of
events acting singly or in concert. Economic growth has benefitted a
few, leaving millions poorer than in 1986, UPE has suffered from high
drop-out rates and poor quality. Unemployment has risen, environment
has decayed, corruption and sectarianism have broken records,
malnutrition, alcoholism, road accidents, human sacrifice and
democracy at gun-point have all risen and Uganda as a star performer
in major conferences and newspapers has stopped, causing many to
question whether Uganda is among failing or failed states.
Time has come for
all Ugandans to put aside their differences to save the “Pearl of
Africa” from sinking because when it does we shall all drown.
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