Battles, Beats, Bars and Rhymes.

Break Dancing and an import of culture (early eighties).

My Interaction with the one small aspect of the hip hop stream began in the early eighties and was due in part with a craze for dance that was generated by personalities such as Shaba Doo, Shrimp and Lucinda Dickey. Some of their dance moves and burn outs were simple enough to replicate and so many of us began to use the same and build on what else we heard. Soon we would engage other children in the neighborhood for competitions in which we would often call out older kids where we would share a stage on which even if we had the disadvantage of much smaller frames we were equals on the large pieces of cardboard upon which we danced. 

The birth of this movement in of dance also brought about an additional drive to use and change the manner in which we also dressed. 

Dance and Discipleship (2001-2003)

Fast forward a few years and add on to that a new location and we came across the same effect except this time around the team that I met with was using it as a method of reconnecting with youth and directing their energies into what Christians call Discipleship. 

Discipleship is the deliberate decision to connect directly with new converts into an experience that is designed to help develop them deeper into personal and public faith with the purpose of sending them out a leaders armed with an ability to do the same. Perhaps one of the advantages of this system was the manner in which we could resolve conflict on eight by eight stages where nothing but dance and rhyme and rhythm and skill would be used arbitrate between two individuals.

Interpreting African Expressions of similar effects (2005-present)

My first attempt to interpret the African expression of this effect in Uganda was started about six months ago. In it i sought to find the most prominent personalities in the 'game' on the local scene in an effort to try to see where this movement was going and those who we would need to watch in the future. I use the simplest method in which I simply classified it in terms of language. The two most prominent personalities in this were arguably Babaluku and Navio of NavCorp. Some of the local history differentiates between Ugaflow. A term coined by local movers and shakers to define the use of rhyme and rhythm and rap in Uganda. Which is also connected to what they define as lugaflow. Which is derived from the term Luga which would be a Swahili term for language or as I used to think Luga for Gandaflow. But as these things normally go and develop and broaden. 

East African expressions.

If you take time to study the manner in which artistic expression is taught globally you will notice the Importance of History in defining personalities and their contribution to the larger narrative. 

In Tanzania for example, you will see a deliberate effort to connect and interpret the same broader hip hop culture and the emergence of local personalities who either joined the broader river or created dams upon which they were in time able to harness the massive waters to create industries and economies of their own. Tanzania is different from Uganda in that they have at least found a unique voice and sound that we call Bongo flavor. The Kenyan community too has had similar effects by emerging with a sound referred to as genge (which in Ganda means leprous!). 

Music and the need for social change.

What you will find with both Kenyan and Tanzanian expression is that both have lose but necessary links with 'common' people especially as we have seen an increase poverty levels. So much of our music has become an drive to interpret and engage with the changes in our societies that are drawing many into previously unknown and unheard of levels of poverty. 

So in some respects, the graduate is no longer defining want you learn the Ghetto is! 

The rise of additional voices.

A visit with the destiny crew.

In the Ganda language we call it 'Katemba Atali Musasulile'. Or free shows or just drama. Funny and interesting stuff you come across as part of your day that helps put a smile on your face as long as you are not part of it. My day began at about midday after a night spent catching up on American Politics and Fox Entertainment and a good mix of inspiration. 

I walked to Mengo Hospital where there is taxi stage that get you to the city at a reasonable cost. The trip was punctuated by a crew of men in yellow (the use NRM colors for city enforcement is not going well) who decided to 'move' some business people along Namirembe Rd. right at the junction that takes you into the New Taxi park. 

The enforcers were not subtle in the execution of their tasks and soon the taxi conductor decided to drop us of at the nearest gas station using our fears about men in yellow to support his impromptu decision. 

Then we walked up along the stretch took a right up onto old taxi park where we crossed the street onto Standard Supermarket (Yamaha Center). The taxis to Namasuba are found along the street at the entrance of shoprite. An exit right after Freedom City, a phone call and a Boda Boda ride later and there it is a blue gate with some graffiti-Destiny Central! 

The place sits at about 1/4 of an acre. There is a group of about three young people talking. It's been very busy (a season of visits from 'outside' countries). There is a set of drums and some fruit as well as a few young people having a hearty meal. The scent of well made Ganda food is evident in the air. The balcony is peppered with a few faces possibly foreign although this term is probably not useful in Makindye (where the Muzungu has become a mainstay). In this case I am clearly the foreigner. 

A few quick introductions and then a release to do my work. 

The notice boards are full of cultural events and happening from Uganda to Joburg and beyond. 

I spot 'looks' as I will call him. Dressed in his characteristic black much bigger than I expected.  

I spend an unusual amount of time having a look at a 'hip hop constitution' that describes some of the major dos and don'ts of the movement at its core. It has some of the historicals in the history of hip hop and I spend a few minutes trying to see if I can pass the test. I can identify Latifah, Tupac, The Ice Brothers (cube and tea), the young lady from the Fugees, Run D MC? Or at least Rev Runs brother (the entrepreneur and business person), Biggie Smalls. The list of rules and practices and ethics is intensely rich, complex and thorough. I have no time to absorb or take in the full extent of the stuff in front of me. So like the visitor of a gallery I simply stand back and take it in. 

The table is full of gadgets of all sorts processing experiences that have quickly faded into history but that one is certain will remain firmly etched in the hearts of of those who have had the chance to engage with the young people from all over the world that have graced these culturally driven events. 

I love kitchens and the magic that takes place in them. Some of the lovely young women are busying themselves. The kitchen too has its house rules. This is clearly much more than just a cultural gathering it is designed with a philosophy in mind it is a family. Unscripted and unhindered. 

There are a few very important events slated for the day. Some video shoots and recordings. There is a track in the Garage where the young MCs in training are putting final touches in the rhymes that will accompany the track. About eight young men will contribute. The broader theme-building. 

I cannot help but wonder what the possibilities would be if each one were given a chance to interpret the same track and left alone with the entire piece of music. 

But this time they will each lay their lyrics on the same thread. 

I meet Spyder, he catches you by surprise. He is very difficult to place he approaches me as people who are dressed with beanies and 'supposed' to be approached with fist clenched. Fist to fist to heart. He asked me a few questions my geeky glasses are a dead giveaway. I respond with the best kiyaye that I can muster. In a moment he switches to impeccable Queens English. He is comfortable and in his element. 

There are a few more faces writing and creating. Most of them tall and with dreadlocks. The Colors are rich and varied and so are the clothes. I love the ceiling in the garage that has been decorated with the colors of rich African design. The dress style of the young men is also distinctive. You will find it very hard to find two similarly dressed young people here. A seam re-done on a pair of jeans with the same colorful material. 

There are a few members of the aviary clan strutting their stuff. Maybe some of them are aware that they will grace the plates of the inhabitants in a strange partnership between unequals. Munsaka y'enva gyebalinsanga. 

In a smaller room, the recording is taking place. A super good quality mike has been placed in front of a thick absorbent material Square shaped (mattress) that will serve the purpose of insulation to prevent the loss of sound. In the next room, the PC is playing the track which is on repeat (possibly using cakewalk). 

I also get to meet Shemy B. dressed in a Cardinals shirt (an import from the U.S and suitable reminder of just how small the world is). We talk extensively about a range of subjects. I do most of the talking. He helps shed some light on hip hop in Uganda. He is interested in and has started a group that takes events to communities where the whole mix of services is provided. Sales for cultural merchandise and much more. He has his sheet for the studio and is ready for the exam. We trade contacts. 

I trace my steps back. A few more members of the team are back. From what I gather the day was full. There is a sense of liberty here that is unusual. The kitchen is clear until the next meal. The table is full of more equipment. Laptops uploading and trading pictures. 

Still rather cloistered and unimposing. I exchange a few smiles, contacts but approach the troop of Vanilla Belles with caution. 

Trade some notes with a young lady dressed in a pair of jeans and black high healed modern creations similar to high tops of old. We will end up sharing a ride to the main road. 

There is a bubbly young lady with an English Accent. I call her Letto. Short for stiletto. She is talking about a conversation we probably shared or listened to describing the liberating effects of the famous shoes. 

The day is almost complete. There is a lot to process. The street is full of people going about their business. I had the impression that Namasuba would be a catholic city. But that is probably naive. The station is peopled with a large group many of whom have also come out in full muslim regalia. Beautiful gowns accentuated with frilly white hair dos or patterns and scarfs. 

The trip back to Mengo will be a little long considering we are driving right back into the traffic filled city centre. 

I have no idea that it will take me about three days to pen these experiences. 

A Fall, A Subission or a Knockout-the last debate as I saw it.

This time around I was fortunate enough to have a front row seat where I was able to watch the activity of the Elections. 

Getting what we deserve or need.

As a start and with hindsight it seems as though the Americans have been blessed with the heads of State they have needed for the unique circumstances their country has faced (external influences notwithstanding and assassinations). 

Two Decades of evidence or proof.

Most recently the country needed to community organizer and lawyer to unite the country under the banners of change and maybe they got that in Barack Hussein Obama. Prior that they needed a military face (and I argue that military service ought to be a pre-requisite to the presidency) and that they got in the extension of King George's legacy. Go back a few years and maybe the governor from Arkansas brought in even more knowledge and experience regarding the law. Prior to this confrontations with the Soviet Union and future altercations in the Middle East brought about the need for another military man with a lot war time experience. The announcement  that came soon after naturally related to the New World Order and the call to 'Tear Down This Wall'. 

In the Early and Late seventies there was an exhaustion from the Machinery of War and those who were at the heart of its effects and influence regardless of who was in charge of the Oval Office. 

Monarchs in name with foreign policy influence.

The challenges and troubles and the fall out that resulted in the water gate scandal brought about some changes that were unexpected but that may have also been attributed to the divine hand. Ford can therefore be looked at as an anomaly. But he too calls attention to the value of good Vice Presidents who are able to step in at a time of crisis should they be needed. You could almost argue that Cheney was the power behind the Bush presidency. Having wielded influence for decades before in the corridors of power long before the emergence of the Monarchs. But he too as I have often argued at least by name may have been a ancient reincarnation of one of those Richards of old. As was Henry who retains as much respect as he held back in the day negotiating peace and various types of contracts between the Vietnamese and the Americans and the Chinese. 

Well split and managed.

So one thing was outstanding about this debate. The manner in which everything flowed and the clarity with which the differences between the two candidates was articulated. 

SUPREME COURT

The closeness with which Hillary Rodham Clinton stuck to President Obama's agenda (especially regarding his choice of Supreme court judge). Donald Trump on the other hand insisted on his candidates as presented to the press and the public weeks before. 

Clearly the changes in the highest court in the land would be monumental and useful in determining the fate of the nation. 

ROE Vs. WADE

The select use of language to describe his position regarding the right to life doctrine versus the right to choice was also another outstanding example of the vast differences that exist between the two candidates and possibly a major turning point in the decision making process for many conservatives (traditional Christians will find it hard to ignore this difference). But this is also problematic because the republican crew has had a very rough time accepting the candidate and his abrasive style. 

WALLS AND DEALS 

We also saw quite a split in thinking regarding how to handle the immigrant question with varying opinions on close neighbors (Mexico) and more distant and possibly more desperate (Syria). But this also worked and was used along the economic and trade question which was milked to its core by Donald Trump who enjoys the use of superlatives and hyperbole in describing the 'worst deal in History'. Fortunately he has some clout in defense of his positions and just when you expect him to speak in generalities he manages to slip in a blade to expose the innards of an unsuspecting opponent. 

ENDORSEMENTS AND MAMMOTH CROWDS 

The question of experience was tackled well by Hillary Clinton who chose it differentiate between her busy last thirty years contrasting these years with her adversary in which she narrowed it down to celebrity shows. Donald Trump was keen and in many moments most sincere when he attempted to question her about why these new changes were only just occurring in the mind of the candidate after a whopping three decades in power. 

The biggest challenge in this regard for Donald Trump will be as he already stated accepting the results that will be given at the end of the race. 

This is because he has been present amidst the crowds and these as we have seen in East Africa (both Tanzania and Uganda-with both opposition leaders) can be very deceptive. The biggest issue will be to convert the mammoth crowds and the discontent into votes. 

SYRIA, IRAQ, IRAN, CHINA, EGYPT AND LYBIA. 

It was almost impossible to listen to the foreign policy question without thinking about the middle east and the vast changes that have taken place threatening to alter the map of the middle east as we know it. Donald Trump made full use of his endorsements from men with military experience and others in law enforcement as well as border patrol. He leaned heavily in the past and the idea that he would have never supported the invasion of Iraq. Each successive leader has to deal with the challenge of war and interests that arise. We have seen how the first few years of office are honey moon years and go quickly the grey hairs invade the scalp. We have also noted how quickly time passes forcing the candidate to think about legacy and second terms...and yes delivering on promises made in campaign highs. 

Deliver us from the bondage of free-dom

The world has two very good examples of negative reactions that have been prompted by two vastly different groups of people that received massive 'gifts' from their governments only for the recipients to turn around and 'rebel'. The first is Libya and the Second Saudi Arabia. From what we hear, the government under the previous head of state allowed citizens to go to school gratis and provided them super allowances as well as access to money for homes and travel. The second might not be a good example given its monarchs are still in charge, but there is a boredom that pervades its youthful citizenry which is synonymous to a form of rebellion. As a result the conservative youngins are often spotted in the sun bathed paradise's streets spinning the wheels of their Sports Utility Vehicles passing time and making full use of the music systems that define their vehicles. Maybe these troubles are part of the organization of oil producing countries all of which have taken advantage of the price of oils to benefit their citizens. 

Nothing wrong with that. But as the prices have plummeted, these economies are being forced to go back to the drawing board. Similar challenges seem to await the Nigerians as well as the Venezuelans even if in the case of the latter, their left wing leanings and veiled attacks against their Neighbors in the North seems to have aggrieved the troubles in their country. 

So how do you create economic development without tampering with the natural in-built ability of people to strive and achieve? How do you generate prosperity without creating an atmosphere of complacency? 

Is it worth the risk creating the short term benefits of growth at the expense of long term changes that are often painful but good for the populace? 

This is what we are asking ourselves on the home front. Our providers have come up with all sorts of neat little tools that can give us free or cheap options that will let us communicate and interact via social media. But is all this worth it? 

Are you ever going to be able to teach people how to work and strive and think by providing free stuff to them?

Is this the same challenge that our friends in the Rainbow Nation are also facing as their students gather demanding free education? 

Will be ever be in a position to provide anything that is of utmost quality st no price? We leave it to you! 

The American debates as we heard them.

The crowds of republicans are gone including those who I thought would make more formidable foes to a democratic party in search of another term. Cannot help but wonder if a Biden Bid would have made more sense. I suggested before that a look into a previous battle between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rick Lazio would have been helpful in creating a strategy for the Republican Candidate. I hope you listened. In the meantime there were plenty of metaphors and useful insights from election watchers of days past that will help inform or at least add to this web log. 

A boxing match. 

If this was a match then it was a nasty fight. All civility was lost after about twenty minutes in the ring. Ears were bitten and blood was spilled. We did not hear as much as we needed to hear about the very important issues. What we heard was an exchange in which both candidates sought to soil each other. One candidate seemed or have been more resigned to their position and was therefore more keen to prove that their adversary was just as soiled if not more. As the days have passed the media seems to have moved in with more stories helping buttress the real estate guru in his position-where he firmly claims to be on the receiving end of mainstream media and its biases. This while managing to attract free advertising and attention from a media that others have had to send gazillions for coverage and ads. 

Body switches. 

It was not clear who was who. At some point it felt like the two candidates had switched bodies. But this is politics. You have to have the ability to blow smoke out of both sides of your neck. You have to depend on short term memory of those who matter while pushing away the long term memory of those who have the power of influence. We have has shift in directions that have made us look like colonies of the USSR as we have championed causes closer to socialism and communism that were previously unimaginable. Try this in the early and late fifties and you would have faced the same challenges as MacArthur? 

But these are challenges that are unique to our generation with its massive young and tech savvy populations with movements such as black lives matter, the 99 percent as well as the tea party making a comeback or at least their presence known. 

Sounds and sights? 

Other insisted that it was better to hear the debates than watch them. This was decided for me when my provider decided to pull the plug at 3:30 AM right after I had made myself comfortable in preparation for debate night. So I listened courtesy of the BBC. The same media group took quite al to of criticism for not availing it's massive crowds the full 90 minute debate instead giving 30 minute chunks. So I listed to sniffles which were later explained away as microphone sabotage. As can be expected the female card was used extensively to Mrs. Clinton's advantage. We heard some evidence of the Trump charm, "...i want you to be comfortable". 

Junior High or Kinder? 

We expected a little more about what we in these parts think are very important issues. The army and veterans issues, health care, retirement, job creation, race issues and challenges, immigration reform, foreign policy, economics with an emphasis on international trade, Canada, Mexico and South America, The Drug Trade. Instead we got something similar to what would take place in a class room between two young children where they for a moment forgot the issues and hand and instead went after each other on things as simple as hairstyle and who was dating who and cheating on who. 

Dealing with the Bear-both economically (markets) and politically.

Here are a few thoughts that you should think about as you prepare for your elections. We are accustomed to conventional king makers. But i think it is time we seriously started thinking about a resurgent soviet union.

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First a story. A young lady shows up with a CCCP Branded shirt and an American quickly wonders how much success to expect at the immigration office.

My response? Where does the former president (Gorbachev) of the Soviet Union live? California off course. What about the Master Chess player (Kasparov)? The U.S.A of course.

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These are the perils of democracy or perhaps the positives and negatives aspects of democracy. On one hand you have to offer asylum to those who are in distress at the risk of welcoming those who are foes. There is also the possibility that citizens will in the future be challenged when war forces their host county to engage in hostile acts. Ask the Japanese about the internment camps. With all this in my it is still not very simple deciding who or what really constitutes of a true citizen. The citizenship tests and the vows notwithstanding!

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Another story. There is a lady who gave a presentation for the centre for policy studies in Ottawa. She was trying to make a case for President Putin as a wrestler (in strategy and thinking) and not a chess player.
A shorter closer contact sport with a few rounds as opposed to a longer drawn out engagement between two adversaries.

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So in the event of an engagement with the Russians, how do you think the most prominent citizens would behave? How quickly can you put into action your sleeper agents? There is plenty of fodder in Hollywood about this Salt is just one example. Where an agent deep in the agency and close to the president attempts to bring about a chaotic situation by 'engaging' a Russian prime minister.

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Another story of note is the rise in whistle blowing that has really damaged U.S relations. Most of what has been done was done in the Interest of Pubic good but at the cost of American Intelligence. And where are these groups turning for solace? Well Russia (Snowden) and South America (Asange).

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The fourth is a story that has to do with a shift in American thinking that brought about an interest in Socialism. This can be reflected in the popularity that brought Bernie Sanders to the fore and that forced an uneasy alliance with Hillary Clinton. The Black Lives Matter Movement, the 99 Percent (occupy movement), and in part the tea party. Are all clusters that reflect the same sentiments and that are bringing about unimaginable conversation about class distinction in a capitalist stronghold.

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Barack Obama "America is too strong to destroy from outside..." the question is if you were to destroy it from within what would you do?

I have sometimes argued that the the series 24 prepared us for a black presidency albeit a troublesome one. Where the protagonist was given the arduous task of protecting a black president from California from agents in the white house who were using his military past to haunt and attack him. Could this be our Gina Davis Moment?

But that is closer to fiction than fact.

If there are any lessons to learn one of these must be never to use your power in office (presidential roasts) and your humor to respond too strongly to an opponent. This has been the fuel in Trumps engine. And it has roared on. 
Perhaps we have also learned something about what it means to walk the fine line across the political divide and create activity and conversations between historical foes. We have also seen how crippling life can get when the hatred for the executive is at its peak and what it means to be entrenched in a system that is rigged for failure and booby trapped with all sorts of neat little gadgets.

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Now the machine rages on and we are already getting troubling subliminal ideas about the possibilities of a rigged vote and that in the Bastion of Democracy. Last time this happened, we invited the Supreme Court of the United States into the picture while we counted chads and effectively handed the presidency back to the Texas Ranger. 
So are we being prepared to believe that the Opinion Polls are going to be the only true factor to decide on the fairness of the U.S election?

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The fifth story has to do with the Brexit and it's effects on Europe Economically, Politically and most importantly Militarily at least in decision regarding Engagement with Russians and by extension NATO.

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This might be good news for the Russians but it might be drawing us closer to the edge as the British pull out of their deals with China.

All this as the Russians begin to assert their authority in the break away republics.

Also in the news is the plan to talk to the Turks a current no go zone for the Americans even if to be fair POTUS, has pardoned a fair measure of Turkey diner on historical thanksgiving celebrations. How the Russians negotiate that space will prove interesting

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.

Making sense of Europe Challenges in 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The first word we will define is Austerity. 

1. Severity or plainness: severity of discipline, regime, expression, or design

2. Economy pressure: a saving, economy, act of self-denial, especially in respect of something regarded as a luxury

3. ECONOMICS enforced thrift: thrift imposed as Government policy, with restricted access to or availability of consumer goods. (1)

Fig Tree Blossoms in 1960 Africa. 

All these changes took place a vacuum of spaces created predominantly in Europe's back yard and in the hands of previous colonial masters who had become accustomed to living off foreign governments in old colonies. A flurry of requests for independence had also characterized life In the 1960 also had unexpected results on an economy that was being driven by Foreign labor, commodities much like what had happened previously in the Americas and in the U.S itself when the North and South were forced to contend with each other on the questions of slavery and the benefits of human labor in the predominantly agrarian south. Island nations that were producing spices, coffee, cotton, sugar were also bound to suffer if these changes were implemented much too quickly. Trace the path of European decline in the seventies and you will find former colonial giants of shipping and trade beginning to feel the pinch of a loss of major services. 

Europe and Austerity in the 1970s.

Marshall the 'Troops'

These marked changes in the economies of Europe after the second world war could be traced back to the Marshall plan and the monies that was pumped into the struggling economies of the day to inject some much need growth and redevelopment in the war-devastated economies. But given what we have learnt about Foreign led growth and the consequent effects of the same on struggling economies maybe the decline of the European economies after yet another war was a sign that external investment cannot be viewed as a long term method of driving true sustainable growth.  

Commodities and the rise of Regional Powers. 

Most of the challenges that are mentioned in regards to Europe in the seventies hinge on the energy crisis, most particularly the price of oil, which had quadrupled since the Middle East war of 1973. The result was projections of double digit inflation for at least a decade in Europe. great. Great Britain was facing price rises o 17%, Italy was dealing with rises of 20% and Spain and Portugal were dealing with upwards of 30% price increases. Measures like a freeze in prices and wages had limited success. 

Premier Raymond Barre succeed in stabilizing the franc and reducing the deficit but the latter remained high and growth slowed and unemployment did not decrease. Barre was attacked both by Socialists and Communists on the left and by Gaullist followers of premier Jaques Chirac on the right. 

The Rise of the Foreign Banks and their Bailouts

Austerity plans were adopted by Great Britain ($3.9 Billion), Spain, Italy ($500 million from the IMF and $500 million from EEC) and Portugal ($49million had been given in April of that year to offset a deficit of $1 billion) . These plans had conditions that were attached to them with large loans from the International Monetary Fund. As discussed in the previous post on Bubbles, the discussion around loans further raised fears of the effects on local economies that infused capital from outside would affect economic sovereignty ad governments freedom of action. 

New Tactics for Modern forms of Economic Warfare

Several  major changes occurred firstly, Growth rates slowed in Europe (3%) while the rates of growth for the U.S and Japan rose (expansion rate 5%). Rapid growth and austerity are difficult to achieve simultaneously. Secondly, foreign investment in Europe went to other economies (investment from oil rich states). 

Thirdly, wages rose as a natural effect of inflation and a decline in productivity. Fourthly, the cost of European goods for export was expensive bringing about a trade imbalance 

Revival of Capitalist Communist Debates and Thinkers

Fifthly, unemployment.  In countries that had strong leanings toward communism and socialism or those who sought to marry different economic tendencies the natural result of unemployment was the return and revival of trade unions and workers movements the start of uneasy debates between capitalist thinkers and their marxist opposites. 

It was these conditions that brought about a major shift to the left, which is also common in the present day, the rise of the Iron Lady an her assault against the Trade Unions in the U.K, the trio of Reagan, Gorbachev and Thatcher, as wells as pressure on the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall. (3b)

Europe and Austerity in the 1990s.

Sweden-a case for mixed economies. 

For a long while (since the 1930s) it seems as though the decision of the Swedes to marry two systems of economic development provided some insulation from economic challenges that confronted other European Countries. This they did by splitting their economy into a 'local' and and 'an other'. The local was made up of cooperatives and unions that managed key aspects of their economy and development. They ensured through these groups that simple commodities were transformed and maximized to benefit locals. The energy then invested in the development of these local industries was then pumped into controlled Foreign exports whose profits were returned to members of the same. This model was affected by a recession in the 1990s. The result was a drop in employment and a budget deficit. The government decided to respond using some austerity measures which included tax reform, reductions in civil service employment, cuts in social-welfare programs and partial privatization of some state owned enterprises( postal services, telecommunications and railroad transport). The result was a reduction in the public sector, a restoration of confidence in the Swedish economy and an economic recovery that slowed the economic downturn of 2001. (2)

Italy-Politics, Religion, Economics and their effects on Austerity

In 1995 Lamberto Dini, Berlusconi's treasury minister, was appointed prime minister to lead a politically neutral transitional Government. There was uncontrolled public expenditure, political corruption, an unproductive public sector all of which contributed to the budget deficit and a rising national debt. Dini's response was to pass an austerity budget, to reform election system, state pension system and to enact rules that controlled political access to TV. He resigned in January 1996 but continued in office until April. 

Elections in that year brought the communists into power for the first time in Italy's history as a republic. Thus the country began its shift to the centre-left. Also notable during this time was an attempt toward separation from a more 'productive' north which failed to win popular support when the idea was floated in the election. 

The national election brought into power 56 year old Romano Prodi (a mix of economics and religion) economist and former state conglomerate. He defeated the centre-right leader and media magnate Silvio Berloscuni former prime minister. Perhaps this time around the effects on Media that had been  attempted a few years before by Lamberto Dini would now gain fresh momentum. 

It was also another time of firsts in which Italy's evolving political system had generated two opposing major candidates for prime minister before citizen voted. 

Unable to win a majority an Olive Tree coalition was formed which brought in a formerly communist party the PDS (democratic party of the left) which had given up Marxism after the fall of the Berlin wall resulting in 

loss of its core group from the Reformed Communists. Their 21% added to the 35% of the original bloc. The new government attracted other prominent leftists like Massimo D'Alema (party secretary), Walter Veltroni (PDS second in command), Georgio Napolitano (Interior Minister) and Vincenzo Visco (Finance Minister), Lamberto Dini(former prime minster was appointed Foreign Minister), Carlo Azeglio Ciampi (former premier and political independent become treasury minister), and Antonio Di Pietro (former Star prosecutor who headed operation clean hands investigation was appointed Minister of Public Works but later resigned after charges of abuse of office were brought against him). 

Prodi wanted to work on public finances (a criteria for joining the European Monetary Union),deal with the threats of succession by the Northern league leader (Umberto Bossi), reform of the constitution along federalist lines as well as the creation of a winner takes all voting system (to replace the proportional representational system). 

Of all the challenges mentioned above the only external challenge that would affect Italy's future was that of the Monetary Union. The rest of the issues strictly speaking we're internal, with hybrids such as the corruption cases or trials off terrorism suspects (Majed Youssef al Molqi) that affected the perception of the Americans on the Italian Justice System (Giovanni Brusca, Giovanni Falcone). 

The appointments were important because they helped determine what the coalition government would focus on in the years to come because on the whole, the men that were placed in positions of power were all major pieces in the political 'games' that characterized the functions of the the nation in the years previous. It is no wonder that Berlusconi was castigated and later tried in connection to kickbacks to tax inspectors of his Fininvest media-to-retail conglomerate (possibly a consequence of the over exertion of his media power in the past and present-the present bribery charges notwithstanding). (4)

1. Encarta Dictionary

2. Microsoft Encarta 2008, Microsoft Corporation 1993-2007

3. Collier's Year Book (for events of 1997). Monthly updates in Encarta Yearbook). 

3b. Microsoft Encarta 2008, Microsoft Corporation 1993-2007

4. Microsoft Encarta 2008, Microsoft Corporation 1993-2007

Key Words: Austerity, Debt, Credit Rating. 

Both this article and the previous one have only dealt with two issues on a regional basis with some more I depth coverage of some European countries like Italy. The responses used my most countries and their Central Banks are universal. 

Here is what I found out about economic bubbles.

To begin with, the idea of a bubble is a rapid economic expansion (Boom) followed by an economic explosion (burst). You cannot talk about bubbles without coming across three major ideas or themes. Banks, Markets and people (investors). 

Globalization and Regionalism (1)

When you study or combine all this with the idea of globalization, you can see how complex or interested the problem of economic bubbles becomes. Under the subject of Globalization, you will find three primary institutions the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization. These groups usually can have an effect on the local economy by bringing in in unexpected change in the economic structure of the government. A loan for example can bring about the illusion of growth and expansion at a time when the reality Is that the economy is slowing down. This perception amongst locals can then be exploited by those who may be partners say in Construction or roads. As a result cement, steel, tar (by products of petroleum) may increase in price. So here you see the banks (International) having an effect on the markets which also cause an effect with people. 

The effects described above all take place on the global level. On the other hand though, there can be effects that take place on a Regional Level. The dynamics are the same in this case, governments almost everywhere have to deal with the results of agreements under which these deals or loans or bail outs are administered. Secondly, many of these agreements are signed in the interests of larger groups as opposed to individuals or the grass roots if you like. In current affairs you can see how tension is beginning to build between the Americans on one hand and the Chinese on another. In this example the Americans would like to benefit from selling certain chicken products to their Asian counterparts. The Chinese on the other hand have responded using subsidies for their local produce. What this does is make it almost impossible for the American Business people to thrive in the Chinese Environment. You could argue that the Americans have been fed some of their own medicine given some of their practices in Island Nations suck as Haiti which receive Rice from America at almost no cost at the detriment of their own local markets. 

The Rise of new Powers (Colonialism and Hegemony) (2)

The British were making their mark on the world and were rapidly expanding. Naturally there was a need to grow and extend territory. Those who owned ships were therefore able to exert an unequal effect on the markets for timber, cotton, men, sugar, spices. Naturally promises could therefore be made and speculation based on the forecasts of growth. Because certain members of the monarchy maintained rights over the major companies back in the day, these small groups were able to concentrate vast amounts of wealth around them. These ideas mirror some of the developments in modern days. The transfer of power from one economic power to another and changes in shipping that favor large companies that can transport good as well as oils and naturally those who can control these routes using military means. A study of the U.S and China and other giants of shipping and trade can provide more useful information.  In addition to this the effect of a transfer of labor and the monies that are recovered and sent back to poor nations can also have a skewed effect on the economy. 

The U.S (Black Friday and Black Tuesday) (3)

The U.S had two major events the first in Friday 24th September 1869 was brought about by speculation on the price of Gold. A small group (James Fisk and Jay Gould) of investors bought so much Gold and then made the attempt to corner the market on the same. In the current day you could equate this to the current effect that we have seen with the price of oil and the influence of a specific group (OPEC) on this price. The Saudi for example were producing so much of it that they would sit by for years with a knowledge that no matter how low the price of the commodity got, they would still have a substantial amount of money in their reserves. You can expect to see much more activity in this regard especially as new power rise and attempt to join the exclusive club of oil producers. 

The second event (Black Tuesday)(4) was caused when high tariffs on imported goods were combined with foreign loans and the attempt to export goods. This could not be sustained because the countries that were trading with the Americans could not afford to pay off the loans while at the same time struggling to deal with the challenge of exporting goods to the U.S under such high tariffs. The effect of these initial practices was the growth a wealthy class. The trouble with this rise that it was based on loans that could not be sustained. In a sense the Americans though their loans were financing their own local markets and depending on the the foreign governments to pay for these practices. 

A large amount of people began to believe in the illusion of wealth that had been created by few 'wealthy' people. The result was investment in over-valued stocks. The crash that followed had effects on interrelated areas of the economy where wealth was unevenly distributed, where agriculture has been 'abandoned in favor of other industries and in banks that had been under supervised. 

The U.S-The effect of war on an Economy (5)

The effects of war can be internal or external. 

The first effect if not watched can be the un-natural push for one means or method of generating revenue for the economy at the expense of all the others. Maybe this is part of the warning that was given by the Head of State (David Dwight Eisenhower) at the time when he warned the American to beware of the military industrial complex.

On the external front South Vietnam benefitted from the kind of growth that can be generated in a time of war. Industries driven by the need for weaponry and related sub-economies like transportation, infrastructure, communications. As a result one group of the populace benefitted and was able to achieve a high standard of living. Those closely related to the same group also benefitted but on the whole the country was struggling. 

These issues can be extended in peace time to countries that thrive in dictatorships where small groups of well connected individuals enjoy the limited resources in a given country while many others in the periphery suffer. 

The Asian Tigers. (6)

A few economies (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea) opened up by adopting market friendly practices. This caused a rise in investment by foreign investors. Massive drives toward construction and infrastructure then followed. But because many of these practices were not driven internally by policies aimed at arming people with knowledge and skills, growth and was soon followed by a collapse. Many of these major projects were not built for locals but for the foreigners and few locals who had had the benefit of an international Education sufficient enough to prepare them to run these institutions on behalf of the 

Larger foreign corporations to which they were subservient. 

The other effect was mentioned before under the subject of regional effects where one economy by virtue of its size influences the workings of other smaller economies in the area. This is the case with Japan and could be the case with China. Closer home bastions of stability such as Kenya could have detrimental effects in the region were they to suffer economically. It is no wander that there have been attempts to move new developments towards the restorations of the standard Gauge Railway have been moved in favor of a more stable looking Tanzanian route as opposed to the Kenyan one. 

The Technology Bubble. (7)

The most interesting note about this technology bubble is that the notable survivors of the fall are our current giants even of some of them are now floundering. On the local scene we wonder how long the talk about application development and mobile technology will last in Uganda as it begins to wane in the U.S and as many innovators throng into Europe. In addition to this, we can see how many economies (France) are beginning to question Foreign practices of tax evasion and clamping down on companies such as google. Perhaps one of the tools that will be responsible for part of this decline will be International law and international trading agreements which in a large part have managed to constrict the likes of Microsoft and Apple and have continued to mitigate between various other groups struggling to drive innovation while protecting trade marks and patents.  

(1) Microsoft Student 2008 Edition DVD and the specific section mentioned above was developed from the work of Tabb William K. 

(2) Microsoft Student 2008 DVD and are part of the contribution given by Weisser, Henry G. And Kashlansky, Mark. 

(3) "Black Friday" Microsoft Student 2008 DVD Redmond WA Microsoft Corporation.  

(4) "Black Tuesday" Microsoft Student 2008 DVD Redmond WA Microsoft Corporation.  McElvaine, Robert 'Great Depression of the United States'.

(5) Microsoft Corporation 2008. Encarta DVD. 

(6) Microsoft Corporation 2008. Encarta DVD. 

(7) Microsoft Corporation 2008. Encarta DVD. 

Solutions for post election silence?

The Dilemma (thinking like an Opposition politician)

The opposition core in Uganda finds itself in a dilemma of sorts. How far is the leadership team willing to push the envelope? Is it possible to speak about the fairness of the Presidential elections and then separate that from the rest of the elections? Are they willing to sacrifice the big seat for some wins in Kampala and Wakiso? 

Already we can see some of the Opposition stalwarts celebrating and beginning to think in terms of their new smaller though relevant seats in Parliament. And this week we heard a measure of criticism regarding the local politicians and their unwillingness to go for the big seat. But what good would that serve if the smaller seat delivers all the results that the politician needs in the short term?

Dimensions of leadership (leadership benefits across the board)

The seat allows the politician to gain access to the public space and in some regards to the presidency at least in terms of visibility. In addition to this it allows the victor access to a fair amount of cash and prestige which if utilized well can get you an insiders view into government contracts both local and international. Most of these deals are awarded to people and personalities that are viewed as trustworthy. There may be quite a lot of controversy that has arisen because of these contracts (see writing from the Black Monday Movement) but on the whole smaller projects have generated a lot of clean income for the politicians who have been smart enough to leverage their popularity and visibility. 

Deal or no deal (the perspective of the resistance movement)

What would it be like if the NRM decided to sacrifice the presidency for an obvious majority in Parliament? What if they were to go the way of the Americans and make it virtually impossible for the sitting president to function? With majorities in both houses, what would the president (an opposition one) do and how would he function. Would the NRM structure be affected by a change in Chairmanship. Is that way out there in left field? 

This means sacrificing the chairmanship and beginning to think in terms of a successor as was the case in Venezuela. Where the shoes of the incumbent (Chavez) were almost impossible to fill and where the fallout from his socialist views and the western backlash (sanctions in Corrupt politicians) in his (Maduro) nation is clearly having a negative effect on local governance. How well can he play the imperialism card as did his successor when the economy is shrinking globally fueled in part by a major drop in the price of oil?

Discerning the meaning of crowds (the challenge for local pollsters)

Even if a fair number of constituents are not wholly convinced by the numbers as presented by the Electoral Commission, we are still mesmerized by the massive crowds that greeted Amama Mbabazi when he visited the northern territories especially when he made the first attempts to set his footprint in Bugisu. We are also challenged by the crowds that welcomed their Hero in Col. Kizza Besigye in his hometown of Bushenyi as well as by the masses that 'funded' his campaign reminding many of the liberation days when families of farmers and herdsmen would feel the 'liberators' as they trekked through the rural regions of Uganda. We will not mention the other crowds in his nemesis' hometown of Mbarara. But all that aside how come we are being told that at least for the former prime minister that all these crowds placed him at the same level as the new comers? 

Distance and guilt (the electoral commission).

So we watched rather nervously as the engineer sat in the doc in defense of his position as chairman of the commission. I am not sure who should have been on trial here but the scientist looked like he was in over his head and did speak about wanting to keep his head as the crowd of liars...I mean lawyers roared in laughter like hyenas in the savannah gathering over the prey after the exit of the larger predators. As fate would have it he was questioned by a lawyer called Mbabazi-no relation to the other former prime minister who it is said at some point had access to the voter register or membership list for the NRM party. It is no wonder there was so much distress and peace...I mean violence when the NRM primaries took place. Which to be fair might not be blamed on the absence of the cool and collected former blue eyed boy. But the point is the NRM primaries and introduction of the new commission for the party were a microcosm of the elections that would soon take place in the Country. Kiggundu's inability to answer the question regarding the register and it's update and the number which were presented to the nation and the voters, was only evidence for the complex situation in which he finds himself. The problems of the NRM and the emergence of a rebel league of sorts which can now be aptly named as a league of independents only helps shed some light on the road ahead for the party that has held the reins of power for over three decades. How the military minded secretary general deals with the studious electoral commission chair will determine a lot. That and what the chair man does to the warring parties. 

The second debate

Yes the Election seems to be long past...and with that the much anticipated debate. So this is what we think are the highlights.

The crowning moment 

We got yet another dose of the King's poetry-and yes for him the debate was the thing. He was able to watch as the president attended the three hour do. After years in the judiciary as well as some translation work for the bible society he looked visibly exhausted but glad. He even made some mention about the possibility of overseeing another similar bout this time around 2021? 

Language matters 

Interesting to note as three prominent military men (Gen Biraro, Gen 

Yoweri Museveni and Colonel Warren Kizza Besigye) made their way onto the stage and got comfortable. One of the moderators-a lecturer at the Ivory Tower made clear what the 'rules of engagement were'. "Oh no," Said I, "that is a military term". And so in my view we said goodbye to level ground. This was going to be battle field and no one was going to take any prisoners. Events which manage to get the attention of a functioning head of state in the African Environment, can be overwhelming. Security at the Serena was also officially handed to the special forces group further sealing the fate of the participants. The Americans are a little different. The moment you begin to carry the scent of the presidency, they assign you a group of secret agents who begin to think of you in terms of the oval office-complete with code names and Black Chevy Suburbans! 

Seating arrangements 

The president was assigned a seat on the far end of the stage and was provided a buffer (Maureen Kyalya). She in a sense was tasked the responsibility of taking some heat on behalf of the president. The rest of the arrangements were pretty much the same as the first debate although this time around the empty seat was taken.

Over compensation 

The presence of the head of state was welcome by many who did not wish to see him come across as weak and fearful. His minders had made sure that most of the hostile ground was cleared. What the president therefore had was a touch of sympathy (which he used to the max). He began well with historical references a la Kyalya (in the first debate). But soon and with subsequent questions he appeared perturbed and agitated when accusations came flying in from opposition circles. He was able to take advantage of the time factor as many of the other participants had mentioned further opening the way for a format that suited his style. In the meantime there was an expression from Dr. Kizza Besigye who was now cornered into taking a more calm tone that his usual confrontational demeanor. 

Preemptive strikes 

To give the president much more leverage, his minders took what we would like to refer to as a preemptive strike. They made sure that Shaka Saali a prominent international voice in the American Media was silenced long before the debate. This they did by questioning his motives and mining through an archive of his older material to convince the president that he would not be a fair panelist. In a sense the 'drones' had done their work so that the 'ground troops would have an easier time getting those boots on the ground'. This gave the General much more leverage with the crowd. Shaka Ssali simply played it smart and just gave them what they asked for. He simply represented his brand with the words "get better not bitter" as well as his characteristic "I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored"

Late entries and local humor

Joseph Mabirizi arrived late but manage to grab the attention of the crowd by stating that the president is usually supposed to arrive late. Maureen Kyalya also mentioned her willingness to give an advisory position to the former president were she to gain access to state house. 

Here comes the Husky

D.J.T is awfully silent about the endorsement from the Tea Party Stalwart from the cold place up north and understandably so. About eight years ago, a floundering John MaCain brought her into his camp and quickly began to earn some points for his choice of a female running mate but it did not take long before the barrage of the attacks began and that with quite a lot of justification. 

This time around D.J.T just stood there and watched as she sprang into action rather glad to have an opportunity to get back into action after a long time away from visibility. The occupy movement is in hibernation and the tea party is probably watching the action for a chance to emerge with plenty of competition from the coffee bean. Any new movement that emerges would have to center around this essential new beverage that has redefined the manner in which the corporate class lives and works. 

Yes 2008 is upon us all over again. The markets are threatening to pull moves similar to what they did back in the day. The air is fresh for some sort of change and the grand old party can make a case for this kind of shift after eight years of democrat rule. 

Already we began to see moves to prevent Donald J. Trump from traveling to the U.K (in an effort to punish him for making anti islamic statements). 

We are yet to hear some major pronouncements around Israel and its powerful lobby, we are also still waiting to see what kinds of views he presents regarding the second amendment which seems to have been mistakenly intertwined with the right to bear arms, and then, on he has not meet with the secretive Bilderbag Group or the Council for Foreign Relations (two of three powerful groups which it is said often will guarantee one a place on the helm of the great Casa Blanca). 

D.J.T has also expressed some rather caustic remarks about illegal immigrants what we are not certain of is if this will affect that very important voting minority block which seems it have had a hand in putting the Republican George Walker Bush into office...for two terms. 

This voting block matters because experts continue to see a rise in population of Hispanic Americans. This could have a major effect on the vote come November but clearly Republican Dominated states will not let the current administration use his presidential power to create blanket decrees legalizing those with questionable paperwork. 

The same experts have placed D.J.T on the same level as Ted Cruz which is interesting because it gives the republicans an opportunity to vote for a change at least with regards to age and style or character as represented by D.J.T. Another possible beneficiary would be the other Bush who has run his state well and who is...you guessed it-married to a Hispanic American Woman-talk about being strategic!

Now Florida as you will remember came to the fore in the Bush Versus Carey an election that ended up begin much too close to call. But as we have noted before the dynamics in Florida have changed a lot since that vote almost 12 years ago. For starters, Cuban American Relations have undergone a seismic shift that will probably determine a lot about how the swing state votes. 

In addition to this, it is reported that B.H.O's presidency has been characterized by more deportations than any other presidency(earning him the title deporter in chief). So the number are not necessarily in favor of minorities. Besides that there is a possibility that much of the energy that existed in 2008 amongst African American voters (who if you will remember had to be encouraged to vote) has vanished driven to some extent by a surge in public murders (some argue executions) of mainly young unarmed black men. 

So all this should be featuring somewhere in the mind of the quintessential performer and entertainer as he watches his space of influence and as he begins to think of a strategy for the next phase of his campaign. It would be interesting should he go through, to see what choices he would make for running mate and if these choices would be centered on the need to appeal to minorities. What he has demonstrated though so far, is that he is in no hurry to bow down to anyone and is leaning heavily on his wit, intellect and straight shooting style. 

Post Debate Analysis

The venue 

Victoria Hall at the Serena in Kampala was chosen and a guest list of about one thousand people was selected. On the whole this went well but could have been worse had the proverbial net been cast a little wider on the lake. Across the road from the venue, crowds of enthusiastic late comers were seen gathering and cheering for their candidates with a touch of drama which is usually the back drop upon which campaigns in the rural parts of the country often take place. At some point, it was evident that certain aspects of 'culture' had been left at the door as Alan Kasujja was forced to take up the task of defending his co-host Nancy Kacungira against a barrage of agitations that was rising from the crowd. 

The hosts 

The choice of hosts was interesting. The first-Alan Kasujja a former radio personality who cut his teeth on a local station (Capital FM) the other Nancy Kacungira currently working on KTN (a station that has quite a large audience in Kenya and that was set up in the late nineties to provide an alternative to the media-government-led giants like KBC). 

Interesting because they are both currently working outside the country and carrying the flag...whether they want to or not. They are de facto ambassadors of culture and national thinking. If anything goes wrong back in their yards, they are bound to asked for some commentary. So we do understand the frustrations they expressed when they asked some of the questions and when they received some of the responses. 

The second idea that I think these host represented was that of a coach who seems to want to beat his student and who has to deal with the idea of being misunderstood by the same in order to transfer a useful skill to the understudy. In that sense the hosts were supposed to be coaches and to be as hard as possible on the candidates in order to give them a feel of the global stage and its cut throat attitudes and practices. 

We have managed to find our list of journalists on the local scene who we know can give the candidates a run for their money. Maybe there should be three sets of debates. One hosted by local journalist, the other by not so local journalists and then finally one by heavy hitters who can make them squirm. 

The candidates 

The case can be made about the choice of candidates with many being viewed as merely plants by higher powers. But if those were the initial intentions of those above to give an illusion of a democratic process, the result was devastatingly bad. These plants quickly decided to milk this thing for all it is worth demanding body guards and cash payments and jumping on planes to extend their influence. 

The experts decided that this really was a debate to select the candidate that would be most fit to stand in opposition to the presidency. And yes even if the chair was empty, this was the position for the debate only. The chair even at a time of elections is still being used to fund large chunks of the campaign and the house of state is still centre stage in the organization of state machinery to facilitate the elections process. 

The questions 

The first was really a standard question. It was the leaders pitch. The forum for democratic change and it's candidate stood out and took advantage of the idea that they had similar debates in the choice of front runner and so he really was in his space. Mr. Mabirizi started off well making full use of his age and the idea that he amongst all the candidates the least tainted. Mrs. Kyalya used the stage to the maximum making a distinction between herself and the men and presenting a historical case of a nation which in her view has a fault in its systems. 

At some point those present were asked to direct questions to the other candidates. Maybe this was designed to allow for some more confrontation between the guests. And it did result on some interesting responses.

The crowd

The one thousand person crowd started off well but soon there were deteriorations in its demeanor. Maybe they simply wished to express disappointment in the the types of questions and the appearance of bias. Maybe what we missed most from the crowd was a census from them to give us an idea how they viewed the debate. 

The missing 

The chair was empty but some errors in response from the former prime minister made it look like he was really just a representative of his former boss. This emerged when he failed to ask anything from the others who shared a stage with him and then went on to look rather condescendingly at them. In a sense he was saying publicly what his former boss had said privately (in part by not showing up). 

In addition to this, it became clear that unless a change In the constitution took place, the one who would win this election...if he came from one of the seven would simply be too powerful and extend or even worsen the state of politics in the country. 

In addition to this it was rather interesting that at the time of his absence that the president was busy in Kizza Besigye backyard of Bushenyi campaigning as his Doctor was debating. 

The organizers 

The man who stole the show at least at the start was the retried judge James Ogoola who over the years, like a U.S president has had a fair measure of grey over his head. We did not see too much in terms of input from the overall group of religious leaders who formed the heart of this debate but we did see the judge and did hear his poetry. 

The candidates (General Biraro-of the farmers party) viewed the event as the only level ground they had in the whole election process and rightly so. It was in the interest of the candidates therefore to make the most of the public space and to take advantage of the publicity. Maybe the organizers need to make sure that the debate finds its way into the election process so that future presidents are forced to participate. 

The president and his crew on the other hand had the advantage of watching from a distance in one of lodges, using this as a learning opportunity and gathering material for use in his future operations. The difference between a strategist and a tactician is really about the length of time within which they must execute their plans and the ability to use and judge current circumstances. 

The coverage 

NBS has benefitted greatly from a mass exodus of some of NTVs most experienced hosts. Some of these have also joined the group from WBS. Maybe the state of play at the media houses is also a reflection of the election process and the importance many of us attach to the work place and the bottom line. NBS chose to have a group of hosts to cover the event and took full advantage of location and crews across key spots in the country. Much like the coverage of the NRM primaries (which was also brilliantly covered). For the primaries they had coverage across the city with some very experienced journalists trading places in the studio as in the field mixing both humor and analysis. At some point it was frightening to watch the dance between the view points wondering if those who had stayed in the office, really should have been on site. Overall coverage for NBS was therefore a marathon of sorts reminiscent of the recent MTN race which had three distinct groups, 10KM, 21KM and then the whopping 42KM. The journalists clearly chose the full marathon and were present for the full exhausting day for most of the stations. 

The comforts 

At the end of the day perhaps the best thing to watch about the debates was the point at which the candidates settled down and began to express themselves as career people. 

It was great to hear Dr. Besigye speak not as a candidate necessarily but as a doctor. Yes the hippocratic oath was obvious as he spoke and I did feel like he should have spoken at length about health for one and possibly education. The exhaustion of being in the proverbial battle field was probably much too excessive to the point where we all forgot to see him as the doctor. In hindsight maybe controversial trip to the hospital now makes a little more sense. Since his detractors are attempting to take steal his thunder (and the change message) he should begin to think of his campaign in terms of health and present himself as the candidate who can heal the nation. 

Mrs. Kyalya on the other hand made full use of of her credentials in the social space and chose to market herself as a social scientist. 

Mr. Mbabazi gave us a glimpse into his background in intelligence work when he attempted to explain with humor the difference between a safe house and a 'safe' house. Some of his training in law also came to the surface but overall his experience in government became both an asset and a liability. 

Dr. Bwanika should have made a lot more use of his experience in Agriculture which in a sense he did when he responded to the question regarding Agriculture and it's role in the economy. 

Pastor Mabirizi attempted to read his youth manifesto but was prevented from doing so. He may have come up ahead of the rest of the crew as quite a number of ads begin to emerge post debate with the request and demand that we read the youth manifesto.