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7 Comments on this article:

Report as: spam offensive Another Muzungu in Uganda on 8/04/06 at 3am

What a truly imperceptive article! Has not nearly everybody who has traveled outside of the US had a similar experience?

Report as: spam offensive Wishing I Could Help on 8/06/06 at 6pm

I think it's a nice story, and it's too bad there's no way to help people like this who really deserve it.

It's imperceptive because everyone who travels outside of the US has a similar experience? That would instead seem to make it universal. I've never been to Uganda and it's interesting to hear about different ways of life.

Report as: spam offensive Chris on 8/08/06 at 9am

The article does tell a very nice story, and I think honesty is a very worthwhile message. However, I was bothered by the statement, "If more people behaved like Henry, there is no telling how much progress Uganda can make." It seems to suggest the the problems facing Uganda would be solved if its people would only work honestly and industriusly. This attitude seems at best insensitive, and at worst outright offensive. Uganda, as with many other developing countries, faces a variety of problems beyond its control, a great many of which, I daresay, are a direct result of the foreign and economic policies of more developed nations. Since you have spent the summer in the country, I think your opinions of this matter would be highly valued, and I would look forward to a future article addressing these issues.

Report as: spam offensive Jason on 8/09/06 at 12am

I think this article served its precise purpose. Even if you experience it in another country, Michael's first experiences are his own and to be valued. How much do you expect a 19 yr old to have experienced? He was there pretty much on his own trying to make it while not getting ripped. It is a pretty intimidating position to place oneself in. It is common knowledge that there is a Mzungu (white person) price and a Ugandan price on the streets. It is a pleasant experience to meet someone that sees beyond the trappings of the short term earthly rewards.

I also feel his somewhat sweeping opinion of honesty in government is ok. When the only nationals who really make any money in Uganda are the government officials, then that becomes the superstar aspiration instead of the servant minded position politics is supposed to be.

Good luck Michael. It was a pleasure meeting you and best of things in your future endeavors.

Report as: spam offensive Michael W. on 8/09/06 at 12am

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm glad not everyone think's it's imperceptive as most people (including other Americans in Uganda and Ugandans) loved the piece; it was printed in the paper here a week and a half ago. As far as whether the suggestion that Uganda would progress more effectively with more people like Henry is insensitive or offensive, the reality is that nothing is stunting Uganda's growth as badly as corruption. The worst "foreign and economic policies of more developed nations" are the aid and political support that prop up the corrupt state. I went swimming in a hotel pool built by one of the top generals with money he stole by claiming supplies for imaginary soldiers under his command. The president's brother bought the national dairy company for a dollar. I'll write more about corruption in the future.

Report as: spam offensive Michael W. on 8/09/06 at 12am

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm glad not everyone think's it's imperceptive as most people (including other Americans in Uganda and Ugandans) loved the piece; it was printed in the paper here a week and a half ago. As far as whether the suggestion that Uganda would progress more effectively with more people like Henry is insensitive or offensive, the reality is that nothing is stunting Uganda's growth as badly as corruption. The worst "foreign and economic policies of more developed nations" are the aid and political support that prop up the corrupt state. I went swimming in a hotel pool built by one of the top generals with money he stole by claiming supplies for imaginary soldiers under his command. The president's brother bought the national dairy company for a dollar. I'll write more about corruption in the future.

Report as: spam offensive Sherlyn on 10/09/06 at 10am

Michael,
As usual, this article was perfect. I want to harp on the fact that Henry was a born-again Christian as the reason he behaved the way he did. It is a great testament to what our group was trying to do in Uganda and proof that someone has gotten through to Henry with the truth and I am thankful for that. I agree with you that if more people acted like Henry then Uganda and the world would be better off. God Bless!!




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