Arts and sciences: Two sides of the development coin

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OPINION

By Jackie Ampaire

Leonardo da Vinci of Kansas State University rightly put it that principles for the development of a complete mind require one to study the science of art, and on the other hand, study the art of science. This develops our senses, especially learning how to see and realise that everything connects to everything else.

Ever since the remunerations for scientists in Uganda were enhanced to the disadvantage of their arts counterparts, there has been a lot of debate going on, with scientists developing a sense of importance and artists, on the other hand, feeling unappreciated.

The salary disparities are not suffocating operations in some sections of society, but also pose a danger to scientists. Cases of science teachers being waylaid in the villages as they come from spending their good evening were reported, but thank our security apparatus for putting this under check and control.

President Museveni has ably explained the need to motivate the scientists in the short run so that it can encourage our children to do science so that we can have enough skilled people to create wealth and transform Uganda from being a predominantly agricultural country to a manufacturing nation.

Whereas the president’s view is right, all efforts must be directed towards balancing and creating a good environment for artists and scientists to co-exist harmoniously.

When one looks at the human resource requirements for most jobs advertised, good communication and the ability to be a critical thinker are always key. And they are skills we acquire through the arts.

The performing arts industry is now one of the underdeveloped, yet it is one such area that can easily make young people job makers. It is an area that combines the knowledge of science and arts, and if well developed, it not only empowers the artists but also becomes a vessel to market our culture to the outside world.

The situation currently reminds me of a scenario when, upon embracing technology, Sweden had to do away with books and resorted to online reading and activities. They later realised that hard copies, books and libraries still play a significant role in knowledge acquisition and learning. Today, they are busy restocking their libraries.

Doing away with books was killing the reading culture and, therefore, slowing down critical thinking in most young people.

Arts and sciences are two sides of the development coin called Uganda, and the sooner we encourage the country to go into sciences without killing the arts, the better for us as a nation. The arts and science divide that is being created as we seek to encourage sciences in the short run could cause more harm than good if not well checked in time.

According to James Tokeo, a celebrated performing artist, while developing countries need scientists to transform their economies, art also needs to thrive alongside the scientists. Art is more than just decoration.

It reflects a community's identity, a way to celebrate shared history, and a source of inspiration. Public murals, sculptures, live performances, and creative workshops not only beautify a community but also attract visitors, foster community pride, and stimulate local economies.

Finally, the answer to a harmonious co-existence between arts and sciences in Uganda will be in the establishment of a remuneration commission that will be able to see how labour in Uganda can be rewarded to foster national development. When one sector is developed at the expense of the other, it brings about unbalanced growth. But if we adopted a balanced growth approach, we stand to emerge strong as a nation with labour at all levels feeling rewarded for their efforts.

The writer is the Human Resource Manager Uganda National Cultural Centre and an MBA Student at MUBs