Don’t ignore Bob Geldof’s advice!
Mar 22, 2005
<b>Letter of the day </b><br><br><i>These letters, the Editor feels, demand special attention</i><br><br>SIR — Last week it was reported in the press that information minister Dr James Nsaba Buturo was infuriated by remarks attributed to British Rock star Bob Gedolf about his comments on the t
Letter of the day
These letters, the Editor feels, demand special attention
SIR — Last week it was reported in the press that information minister Dr James Nsaba Buturo was infuriated by remarks attributed to British Rock star Bob Gedolf about his comments on the third term aka kisanja. Gedolf in his address to the Africa Commission advised president Yoweri Museveni to lay aside his claim for the third term in order to let constitutionalism reign. Nsaba Buturo is reported to have flown off the handle and demanded, “who is a rock star to advise us?â€
I am not a politician but I believe music is one discipline which can be used to woo potential supporters, advance a cause or even decampaign it. The recent attendance of prominent movementists, including defence minister, Amama Mbabazi, that of state for health, Mike Mukula at a function to launch a Kisanja album by some local musician is a case in point. In the second incident, The monitor of March 14, carried an article by Darius Mugisha entitled “Museveni to grace Bebe Cool’s Kisanja Album launchâ€. this was accompanied by a photograph of a visibly excited Museveni extending hands to greet the local musician.
Mr Gedolf has committed his life, career and resources to make sure Africa moves a step from the deep slumber of political, social and economic stagnation that it has suffered for so long. This has often involved him in campaigning for debt relief to African countries by donor countries and other similar good causes. If a Ragga artiste like Bebe Cool can make a political contribution in form of a Kisanja Album, surely Gedolf’s comments should be taken seriously as well. It has become a tradition for the government to bash foreign advice (especially from the West) in the guise of fighting neo-colonialism. Ugandan politicians should learn that in this fast-changing world, no country lives in isolation. Musicians the world over, have used their careers to help people faced with problems, disease and disasters many of which are a result of negligent, dictatorial and irresponsible governments.
Katutsi Asumani
Kampala
SIR — On Monday there was a massive demonstration against Bob Geldof by pro-kisanja people at the British High Commission on Parliament Avenue in Kampala. You should have seen the army of barefoot peasants wearing ssanja!
It is difficult to know where they were scooped from and by who. But you can guess. I felt like asking one of them who Geldof was and what he had said. Political manipulation!
Name withheld
These letters, the Editor feels, demand special attention
SIR — Last week it was reported in the press that information minister Dr James Nsaba Buturo was infuriated by remarks attributed to British Rock star Bob Gedolf about his comments on the third term aka kisanja. Gedolf in his address to the Africa Commission advised president Yoweri Museveni to lay aside his claim for the third term in order to let constitutionalism reign. Nsaba Buturo is reported to have flown off the handle and demanded, “who is a rock star to advise us?â€
I am not a politician but I believe music is one discipline which can be used to woo potential supporters, advance a cause or even decampaign it. The recent attendance of prominent movementists, including defence minister, Amama Mbabazi, that of state for health, Mike Mukula at a function to launch a Kisanja album by some local musician is a case in point. In the second incident, The monitor of March 14, carried an article by Darius Mugisha entitled “Museveni to grace Bebe Cool’s Kisanja Album launchâ€. this was accompanied by a photograph of a visibly excited Museveni extending hands to greet the local musician.
Mr Gedolf has committed his life, career and resources to make sure Africa moves a step from the deep slumber of political, social and economic stagnation that it has suffered for so long. This has often involved him in campaigning for debt relief to African countries by donor countries and other similar good causes. If a Ragga artiste like Bebe Cool can make a political contribution in form of a Kisanja Album, surely Gedolf’s comments should be taken seriously as well. It has become a tradition for the government to bash foreign advice (especially from the West) in the guise of fighting neo-colonialism. Ugandan politicians should learn that in this fast-changing world, no country lives in isolation. Musicians the world over, have used their careers to help people faced with problems, disease and disasters many of which are a result of negligent, dictatorial and irresponsible governments.
Katutsi Asumani
Kampala
SIR — On Monday there was a massive demonstration against Bob Geldof by pro-kisanja people at the British High Commission on Parliament Avenue in Kampala. You should have seen the army of barefoot peasants wearing ssanja!
It is difficult to know where they were scooped from and by who. But you can guess. I felt like asking one of them who Geldof was and what he had said. Political manipulation!
Name withheld