Uganda: Surely, We Are Not As Simplistic as the Tunisians, Are We?

After economic troubles, high unemployment rates and protests over one man’s cruel death led to quick revolt in Tunisia, other nations engage in self-reflection. College graduate Mohamed Bouazizi was frustrated after authorities beat him and confiscated his vending cart. Left without livelihood or legal recourse, the 26-year-old set himself on fire and ignited his nation’s fury. Public anger builds when government leaders remain in office for years with limited policy agendas, encouraging wage inequality and enriching themselves with no elections, no checks or balances. Editor Fredrick M. Masiga warns, “With a promise of an oil economy in the pipeline, Ugandans need to watch who is getting into the oil industry and how the oil revenue will be shared. An oil policy that is transparent and takes care of individual and national interests of Ugandans would be a positive point to start from.” – YaleGlobal