Katebe or Kakumbi

A popular writer in these parts, has written extensively on the role of the military in Ugandan politics. In his writings, he examines how the government in Uganda handles veterans and how those in military service chose to live their lives in retirement. One of the ideas he often plays around with is what we often refer to as Katebe. Recent development have created what I have referred to as a Kakumbi in which men in uniform are now assigned to manage farms. 

Katebe or Kakumbi?

This week there were reports from the BBC regarding the trials of two octogenarians whose lives, histories and actions have come to the fore as Cambodia attempts to deal with some troubling aspects in her history. 

While it is may be clear that these two individuals are just a mere representation of the leadership that was described as part of the problem, analysts still insist that the attempts to deal with this nations history are still quite significant and necessary. 

This story matters because in Uganda, there are some historic records that speak of a rebellion of sorts and the rise of a similar revolutionary movements.  Most of the movements that emerged from Africa used South American nations like Cuba as examples in their struggles and borrowed heavily from writings of men such as Che Guevera. In addition to this though, we find that a group of these countries also used strategies from within Africa as they moved to help liberate their countries. In Uganda for example countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Angola were studied and taught in School in an effort to educate the younger populations on the unique nature of the struggle for independence and later or possibly liberation. There are writers who to this day dispute the reality behind the independence move and instead like to think of it as a handover with intent to govern from a distance. But that is really beyond the scope of this article. Instead I need to highlight a small aspect of the Cambodian struggle and it's relevance in our Context here. 

We have recently made some strategic moves towards a more aggressive  agrarian push. After some struggle implementing certain presidential initiatives like the NAADS, the government has made the choice to use its military men to help monitor and run its drive towards agricultural development. 

Perhaps this makes sense for a government that has strong leanings towards the military. A word of caution though and a special reference to the Khamer Rouge. 

We have similar nomenclature in the assignment of titles and names for the liberators (001,002,003 and so on). This incidentally is the same usage that the people in Cambodia used for their leaders. 

In addition to this, we are pushing for a drive towards agriculture. 

Too simplistic? Maybe! But there is a corresponding drive and loathing amongst some towards the village life. Even if many seem to have developed the ability to handle life on both sides. Making visits to the rural areas when the seasons permit, there is still very little that people see on that front. The discovery of minerals and other natural resources has helped but challenges arising from leadership and structure and especially the delicate relationship between cultural leaders and the central government will continue to cause headaches. 

Another possible challenge is regards the pace at which technology is beginning adopted and the possibilities that exist in industry.