Uganda
Why oil should not be EAC’s curse
IPN Opinion article
With oil and gas discoveries in Uganda and exploration throughout the region, the big bucks of energy could help open up the forthcoming EAC Common Market or they could become entangled in state meddling and cronyism.
Europe's junk science risks African lives
IPN Opinion article
"Europe is out of step. Instead of helping Uganda save lives, the EU threatens to ban agricultural imports from Uganda, relying on junk science and protectionism to shape its public health policy. The EU has not issued any official statement on its DDT policy, preferring to issue vague threats via the media. While the EU may not be as bold as USAID by actually buying DDT, it should stop its malicious attacks on efficiency and good science."
The privatization song
IPN Opinion article
An English language, African-based band named 'Afrigo' from Uganda has released a song entitled, 'Today for Tomorrow,' which celebrates the benefits of privatization. It's not Jimmy Buffet, but it's not half bad. Here is a sample of the lyrics:
Privatization, the surer route to economic emancipation/ Yeah, businessmen run businesses/government govern the nation/ You and I didn't create the situation/ Let's unite/check the economy/ a better future for our children; ...
This one little song may seem insignificant to most people but for me it carries enormous implications for Uganda and maybe even the United States and Michigan. No, I don't expect it to be No. 1 on the African hit parade (although who would have expected someone to put out a song about privatization?). But when public policy strategies become so well known that they are celebrated in pop music, it means the idea itself has infused the culture.
In Uganda, Influx of Aid Dollars Spurs Debate on Economic Effects
IPN Opinion article
"Uganda is beginning to wonder whether too much aid might actually damage its economy."
How America Can Help Africa
IPN Opinion article
"For too long, Africans and their partners in the West have looked to international aid as the answer to the poverty and economic challenges confronting developing countries such as Uganda. While well-intentioned, this over-emphasis on aid has actually handicapped Africa by promoting a dependency mentality and the impression that African countries could not compete in the global economy.
By itself, aid cannot transform societies. Only trade can foster the sustained economic growth necessary for such a transformation. If somebody buys what Uganda produces, then he is rendering my country the best assistance possible, especially if the trade is in manufactured or processed goods, which tend to employ more people, at higher levels of skill, and which have subsidiary benefits throughout the economy."
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