A three point five estate (in the press) and a fully fledged fifth estate (in the citizenry).

It is my belief that the week that past had helped shape and at least in some regard direct the state of the press in the country. 

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Listening to the radio this week I came across a story about a very disappointed rural group that was complaining about the services 
of their local hospital. Nothing too strange here except that the lady that delivered the report (or at least the witness-whistle blower) was a very eloquent local woman who had had a little too much of her fill of the cup. Her words came flowing and soon our fountain of honor drove to the location for some sanitation work. So a few heads rolled and some doctors were sacked (no the sacks in this case were not carrying anyone's pay) we are a little dry on the additional finance that is why we are hoping that a bail out will help fill our piggy banks. 
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There is a saying here that helps when making judgement. "Tosala Gwa Kawala Nga tonasala Gwa Kalenzi", loosely translated meaning, "do not judge in favor of the boy before you listen to the girl". This we all failed to do and the lynch mob simply cheered while the head of state flexed his muscle. I hope that this was some kind of game between the locals and doctors but I fear it was not. The doctors and our and citizens got to see their hero, but their true heroes are gone and alienated. Yes the fifth estate is alive at least in from of the whistle blowing citizenry but the press as we know it is still wanting, in not giving enough of a voice to the few doctors we have left in the country-and that in the rural areas. So we have called it not the fourth but the three and a half estate. 
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You have to be a very confident citizenry to pass judgement on your health care providers. Now you have two problems, you to only do not have enough drugs, you do not have people to help you administer them. Even if you can change the circumstances to hire new doctors, you will forever be guilty of judging people who took a hypocrites oath. I also expect you to have problems in two other areas. I expect some concern in your schools with your teachers and schools as well as your police and security agencies. Something is wrong because ideally you should have been able to sit with your local leaders at least at LC 1 level to talk about the problems in your village. Should that have failed you should have been able to take it a little further up. Health issues are often linked to education issues which also fold right into secuity issues. I think that your injections will hurt a little. The doctor will work on you well because that is his vow but it will hurt him a lot to think that you did not trust him enough to approach him with the problem. 
"Omusawo Omunyomye Ate nomulopa nomuswaza", you have despised and embarrassed the doctor. 
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So in the future I hope that you will try to talk about your security challenges as well as those in education. I hope that once in a while you will honor those who work in your area with little gifts like food from your gardens and small gifts just to let them know you appreciate their work. Of you can and if they are willing I hope that you will have courage to confront them. It shows respect and love and a willingness to help those who you honestly believe can do Better. This will increase your respect one for another. 
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And that was the week that was.