Uganda at Rest

Uganda is in West Africa and borders or is relatively close to several nations in disarray.  It borders Sudan and Rwanda and is in the same region as Somalia and close enough to Egypt, Libya, Bahrain and the Gulf area unrest.  In addition to being in an area of violence and unrest, Uganda had an election  this year in which the president of 25 years won another term with 63% of the vote.  As this article shows there were great concerns that the election would be a catalyst for yet another country erupting in chaos, and while Uganda has not been immune to violence recently, the election season came and went in relative calm.

The question is why the calm?  I make no claims to great insight into this question but people do not seem to mind a continuance in power if the economy is growing and there is peace in the land.  In a country where Idi Amin's rule (which was backed by Libya's Gadaffi) was basically book ended by another oppressor named Obote, it may be seen as a very great risk to change president's and parties.  To the extent that the numbers are reliable Uganda has seen annual economic growth of around 9% and all the troubles in the area have been kept out for the most part.  As one source states about the current president's (Yoweri Museneni) time in office; "Uganda began participating in an IMF Economic Recovery Program (ERP) in 1987. Its objectives included the restoration of incentives in order to encourage growth, investment, employment and exports; the promotion and diversification of trade with particular emphasis on export promotion; the removal of bureaucratic constraints and divestment from ailing public enterprises so as to enhance sustainable economic growth and development through the private sector; the liberalisation of trade at all levels."  The Devil can be in the details of some of these ideas (there is a temptation to follow a neo-Mercantilist path of protectionism) but they are dramatic steps in the right basic direction and seem to be paying off.

Maybe the United States ought to consider some of these ideas?

Brian

What Is This About?

Greetings and welcome to our blog,  This is where we will be chronicling our preparations and trip to Uganda which is set for January through June 2012.  I have been invited to help the African Bible University get their new business program started.  I will be teaching a variety of classes at this mission oriented college in Kampala, Ildiko will be seeing what she may be able to do at local orphanages and the kids will be doing what they can and soaking up the entire experience.

At this time most of our preparations are focused on raising money.  This is a mission school and does not have the funds to pay for our stay so we must raise some money.  If you would like to help please send a check to Springdale Missionary Baptist Church noting that it is for the Baugus Mission Fund at 1616 Haga Road Kingsport, TN 37764.  If you would like to do more then email us.

Check back here to keep up with our preparations and adventures, not only will I be posting here but so will Ildiko, Samantha and Jack.

Brian