The Long, Hard Fall

I feel it would be a bit of an oversight on my part to not mention reactions in Uganda regarding Gadhafi. especially since the sigh of relief heard in the West isn't quite as loud or universal here.

The death of Gadhafi was the Big News for weeks. I first heard about it after a Kitovu Mobile team picked me up from a jaunt in the village on the day Gadhafi was killed. The team very matter-of-factly relayed the news to me and didn't really comment on it. They just asked me if I knew who Gadhafi was and said: "the media claims he was killed today." That's it. I will say that what followed was a lively debate about the current Ugandan president, Museveni. Just a brief note: Museveni has been the president of Uganda since 1986. From pretty much the day I arrived in Uganda, I've heard about how Museveni has perhaps been president for a tad too long. Many have voiced opinions that perhaps it's time for someone fresh and new to be in power. And with the news about Gadhafi, there have been some opinions that perhaps other African presidents who have long been in power are next. Of course, there are differences in opinion regarding Museveni as well, with many in support of him.

Anyway, with regards to Gadhafi: There are differing opinions about him and his demise. The newspapers report that the Ugandan president, Museveni, has proclaimed that Gadhafi died with bravery and that he basically died on the battlefield. I should also note that there is a giant billboard near the equator that depicts a meeting between Museveni and Gadhafi (they both look quite jolly in it) which may give some more insight into Museveni's feelings toward Gadhafi.

As for the people: Some regarded him as a visionary of sorts who wanted Africa to be for and run by Africans, without Western influences or at least without kowtowing to the dictates of western superpowers. Others are glad for what has happened given the brutalities and suffering that occurred during his regime. Others think this is an indication that change in Uganda will occur sooner rather than later. Still others are kind of sad because he was so rich and used to give money to Muslim communities and mosques around Africa (there is a large Gadhafi mosque in Kampala. The exterior is quite nice). It's a mixed up bag and I'm really curious about whether these feelings of wanting change in Uganda will continue over the next few months -- and whether these feelings are strong enough to create any sort of push.