A Peace Psychologist’s Response to the Gay Debate in Uganda

By

Jacob W. Buganga – Associated Projects Research (APR)

In brief:

Signing into law the anti-gay bill in Uganda appeals highly to Africans and Ugandans in particular: it is great stride in his role of championing Pan-Africanism and African culture that understood for centuries that the behavior was anti-social, a taboo like very many other socially-undesirable ones, which also was Divine, they way of life, religious exception! To naturalists, good for ecology and sustainability as it allows humanity to continue to regenerate rather than degenerate and thrive. He, m7 becomes a leader, straight away by providing leadership necessary to safe the human face, wherever elsewhere guys have failed! They now want other nations to fail by keeping them disunited and weak to help themselves. Every effort for Africa and other nations to unite and help themselves has been met by a terror hand of CIA. By doing so they are able to force anything down the throat of other nations, people -however horrific! Which justifies reactions from the people offended, who rely on weak-man's approach to save humanity face and Divine order! Such reactions amount to terrorism as much as CIA's and the West tendencies towards the developing world! So they create worse problems for themselves like terrorism and waste military resources to fight it, forgetting where they come from... Contempt for other countries norms, values and rich history will always be returned by a bad blow for them. Russia is already showing its fatigue for that... Then, react by cutting 'aid' whose impact has never been known. Despite it being given as the situations in hospitals, Agriculture sector are still the same. It only keeps Africans more poor and depend. ‘Cutting’ aid it will enhance creativity and stronger alliances in Africa, Russia and South America to continue to thrive. Aren't those bigger markets? President Museveni thus becomes a global hero and potentially rejuvenates his career as leader/politician! His action was also democratic as it expressed the wishes of the people of Uganda. I am told Americans believe in democracy. The universal human rights did not cater for the interests of Africans for them to ride by them. They were extreme views of victors in world war two, still angry. Ideas generated in anger are always very fundamentalist, terrorist! Respect for indigenous peoples' rights is consistent with the signed law, which is okay. Until do they start respecting other stakeholder in the world, will we find peace? Of course the law will define and redefine behavior. I have seen changed people (former gay). Good they are only a small number whose behavioral problems can be managed and helped for their better functioning.

I Begin with a True Story:

I am largely vegetarian for health reasons, not much in practice through... Great! Always knowledge comes first by understanding, when one understands makes rightful responses towards another person he or she has understood. You simply never go wrong in such a relationship... I travelled in taxi over the weekend when a woman stopped it to board. As soon as she did, she began preaching to us on board... guys began complaining to her, saying: we too have our religions. You are making noise... you did not ask whether we are first interested in your stuff...' do you know? She persisted! Everyone got disgusted! And to save the situation, the driver stopped and asked her to step out. As soon as she did, there was peace! That is what Ugandans are now experiencing at the moment... Conservative!? Essentially, every being has what it tolerates and what it does not –both physical and non-physical ones so that they can continue to regenerate and thrive in their natural states. Some natural states are only perceived so after years of getting convinced and practicing the same behavior with positive reinforcement for it to thrive and mean ‘natural.’ I prefer being described by others not myself... I can only guess: I am neither: I like living around the point of equilibrium... extremes can be irrational and dangerous... one an easily lose oneself... yet I am someone who struggles to be in control of my mind and behavior no matter my attempts to be either conservative or not... sexual? I am someone who likes to be in control and struggle to... to be able to manage my sexual needs, desires, interests, thoughts, feelings, and decisions I may make... religion? I like to think above religion: religions is organized from of worship to the superior being... I prefer to organize myself instead on how I relate with my God... because those organizations have people, are lead by people who are also prone to mistakes... if am a follower, I can easily make mistakes... nonetheless, I pick interesting stuff from all religions! Of course, by the time I came into being there were already religions! I was bound to be raised under one, and live among others! I have enjoyed them and came up with reservations, though for them all... I am happy for the good morals they greatly instill in followers and saddened by some aspects of conduct that are misleading, which instead of bringing prosperity, joy and happiness, they focus on taking it away!

Triggers to the Signing of the Gay Law:

because some foreign forces had started a campaign here among young people to make it an issue; intensively recruiting them into taking on the habit... so that after video-casing their work, including their women victims, they send back to their funders for more money... I mean, it had become a fortune for some people, who leaned their trade from overseas... and now wish others they left back home should experience as well... now imagine the case of one who married a dog? Would you now go around campaigning for the vice to develop in SA being is it the guy's human right... that is what Professor Mamdani the other day called 'human rights fundamentalism.' this in my terms becomes psychopathological situation/condition!

Implications of the Gay Law and Justifications:

If other countries neglect and avoid taking the moral leadership, Uganda will and be a role model to Africa as for the rest of the World. Of course a single country cannot provide leadership for everything; Uganda will provide it in this respect. The signing of the anti-gay bill will simply mean that whoever visits Uganda should respect the norms until he or she leaves. Even President Museveni can be in trouble to legalize it. He would be despised and thrown out easily even by his closest local allies. Signing it can only rejuvenate his rulership! People here believe in acting orderly ('mannerisms'), otherwise you never belong here. It is a yes or no response to the matter. this is what it is here: different; no question, no debate... that the way it is... if you were here, you could soon begin to agree to the notion here because you will never find anyone that will take you serious if fronted it as topic... guys will just walk away, not until you conform... conforming will only heal the behavior... otherwise any impulse has can easily be helped, even to kills, to have sex with a mosquito, sex with a blue fly... really... The west reacted by threatening to stop their aid to Africa, forgetting the by aiding Africa, they are adding to the menace of lack of creativity and dependency syndrome, a relationship that only empowers the west to force anything down the throats of the perceptually weak nations. Gay sympathizers have identified multifaceted personalities with felt and tested powers to model gay behavior by any means, anyhow. They have come up with individual scientists with their expert opinion on the subject –without a molecular background of African science. The gay missionaries raise memories that followed after the coming of church missionaries, leading to loss of independence. Africans who have always had their wise men based on experience are now said to be in need of lectures from another tradition that only tears it apart under their insensitive determination to universalize gay behavior, basing on the so-called universal norms, whose formation did not include Africans and Ugandans in particular but angry victors of the world war two –guided by far extreme ideas.

...definitely, the law will shape their behavior to be compatible with the national moral and ethical goals common to every tribe and culture here, exclusive of homosexuality... new law will help create order... some reactions may exist, but soon they end. We have seen behaviors change from the worst scenarios! Even dogs learn to do human work! I have seen reformist gays, now working against! Terribly so! Luckily, they are only a handful, which makes their case easy to manage. Phobia or negative force is essential to encourage behavior change. If you see a lion in its case, you cannot force your way to it just because you feel it is your right.  You will begin to avoid such a place.  ...globalization of opinion is dangerous as already seen in most African countries, whose wars hardly come to an end... national identity to the wellbeing of not only individuals but the nation... I cannot imagine a nation without values or just an individual... that nation of individual must be headed for nowhere: hell! these values vary; cannot necessarily be the same, otherwise we lose the true meaning of nature, rather than human concoctions... human curiosity is limitless, though...  it can try out anything! The more trials, the more realistic it begins to seem... and overtime, it is not only a trial but 'natural' as some people put it! ...man or woman has the power to concoct everything, anything; even to terminate personal life or of another... that's why he or she must work under certain common rules such that, if one is eating, he or she does not place the food in the nostrils, but rather in the mouth... that is a simple natural law, very recognizable...; that food must pass through the mouth! Otherwise, it is great to have working rules to achieve life goals... some people are now suggesting that, like poles attract... hm!? ...and suggesting that natural laws can be creatively reversed!?  Natural laws are also worship as Divine! So it is also as good as saying that the Divine can be challenged!? Nonetheless, man has all the powers to determine his destiny for the good (Divine) or for the worse (not Divine/artificial making/ from the human right of practicing the freedom of conscience). the ultimate goals/motive must be examined to safeguard life systems and support them (evolutionary nature) rather than destroy... and save humanity from other excesses that lead to self destruction and stalemates of the future generations under the guise of human rights fundamentalism... the west views are also draconian -true cases of human rights extremism that they wish to spread all over the world like some sort of religion -moreover by any means! Crazy! Will terrorism ever end? Indeed they created it! They do so by forcing what is understood to be dehumanizing down the resenting throats of other people, without any respect. The reaction from the offended becomes more terror than the offence as per the definition of terrorism today.  The extreme reading on the scale must be monitored to help support life patterns rather than dislodge... the complex nature of humanity has already caused problems around the world perpetuated by the same human rights fundamentalists that has placed African in endless violence... should they be listened to over matters of life or death of life systems? The law is thus important to moderate such fundamentalism... and help to achieve first, natural peace (or peace with Divine) and them human peace. We cannot see the world get wasted away yet we cannot some, through creation of order through respective laws. NO... if the so called world powers fail to lead the world through harmonious relationship with life systems, and only choose their destruction... someone who comes to save the situation is only JESUS CHRIST   to the entire world... Uganda can only take the leadership when it is not there... there is nothing that can make a Ugandans proud more than recognition of their culture, African culture, which is Divine in nature.

Comparison with the rest of other Countries that Okayed the Gay Behavior

...there is always a motive for everything we see or hear about: he certainly has his reasons, very strongly held by him as an outcome of his relationship with the gay world... everything evolves from somewhere: if is he is gay sympathizer today, tomorrow, who knows? To some people rationale or irrationality are the same. They have so many faces and heads to serve in different situations as means of survival and development. Already some countries with developed and nurtured gay tradition have made it a measure of development partnership with the countries that may need them. To some others, one is in the place of another, and others are specific to one for specific reasons best known after getting to learn well about the person, and others, because of the general standard set that has reigned for generations and that have to be preserved. So all these are people that we will come across... at the end of the day, however, rationality and irrationality, nonsense and sense, natural orderliness and natural disorderliness will always have a line drawn between themselves. Our people only need to make informed decisions so that they are not taken advantage of. This is therefore to help those who may be shocked to see any renowned social and media personality? That every one admired since the 90s and I have grown up doing so... what if he himself or herself is one? So what? What if not, so what? Life may be full of surprises. Anything is possible in life, more so from any person who feels he or she if got the power of anything, for anything and anybody... these may only serve to avoid any shocks of the kind from anyone, whether a big personality or small.

In Uganda, these events began their day last year... before then, they had never been an issue, not even microscopic one for discussion.... unfortunately, I am one of those that only have concern about it being an issue... it can be a subject matter for me even to research about, therefore. If you google gay issues in Uganda, it will bring you events how they have been unfolding... the industry has never been there! who registered it for it to take up the market... they were just agents (Ugandans who had picked up the vice and returned here), who were taking it up the campaign job based here to be able to raise money for themselves at any cost, despite the horrible nature it appears to anyone here... until videos of those agents leaked, and how they were recruiting young chaps, promising them to go live 'good' life in Sweden and wherever... Imagine those luring even women with the pretext of having normal sex, and instead pass the other way! All these can be found on line if you are interested... In SA, had the indigenous African been in control, given the strength of the cultures there as witnessed by me, even stronger than Ugandan's, I bet if homosexuality law would be passed there... Anyway, as I said this is never an issue that people here will want to even talk about... like anything you can imagine that only stresses you acutely... you can call it traumatic thing to talk about with a Ugandan... just like terrorism. that is how best you can understand the situation here... it became an issue to other countries other than Uganda last year, and probably, there were researchers who might have gone into it... try searching... probably someone might have travelled in to do research on it. And wonder if there is any CIVIL SOCEITY registered locally to promote gay rights here. These, if they were around, probably could have had the researched information and experience you may need. I doubt because those words, therefore are not the best to share here in Uganda. Not at all... It is a new issue as you now know... so you can take it up a research question: maybe you could be the first one of the kind to give a Uganda context results! I think I am also acting to the contrary by making it an issue to discuss here... LOOK: I have never voted this Museveni, but because of his position over the matter, I may vote him and forget the issues that never compelled me to... I think we better talk about some other things my friend, brother –not this one... inbox me!

It is not just about me or my it is not just my views, it is about the country's position, including the clergy, Muslims communities and all cultures all over this place... it is not just about me... That is what makes Uganda different at this time when the gay thing has become an issue... Even when you are here, you will not have break the countries laws just like I when I come to SA, or to anywhere in the world. In Thailand where I often go, if you caught ferrying or using drugs, that is death sentence... In Uganda it is ok... So many young people use them without police wasting their time... for some reason... I have never heard of a death sentence for anyone on those grounds... Never. As a result many Ugandans are serving death sentences elsewhere in Asia for the same reason. But our country has never complained to anyone about it! They only show respect for the laws governing those places... So it is about respect, really... I can only play a role of helping manage behavioral change... I can do my best on such researches: on how to help gays, rather than on how to promote... I think lets look at Uganda from the perspective of another context altogether, different from others... as differences are normal, be if in the worst form of best form: the issue remains contextual to consider... If I was doing research on the matter, my conclusion would be that gay tradition is not for Uganda, it could be only for some other country... Every place has its norms, traditions, standards, and so is Uganda... I cannot move around imposing my values to places I travel to... I may speak about them, but it is up to them to take it or leave it... But I only try to speak well about them full stop... Just like thieves, robbers... and all other characters exist; definitely, you will find some of them... Already as I said, there has been underground recruitment and inductions into the practice... that why authorities came up... otherwise, guys had the resources and foreign support to do their trade... As I said, the issue arose just recently... you can as well do a content analysis and come up with something... I like to deal with issues contextually... I usually do not mix... And that is also what research is all about. This can be considered a Uganda's case... All I am saying here mean much to what any Ugandan will tell you... even the least or uneducated one... Here we have Christians... powerful Christian leaders and practitioners... but they cannot receive this topic. Never... And they have serious Biblical considerations... to prove that... That same is the case to Muslims... and others...

Cultural and Religious Terrorism: Which Way to Go and Whose Responsibility?

Again female genital mutilation (FGM) ceremony has been conducted successfully without any leader, or so called NGOs raising a voice. The Saturday Vision, 6th November, 2010, reported that 200 girls have been lined up in the districts of Bukwo and Kapchorwa for circumcision come, December 2010.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a shame on ‘the pearl of Africa` in the contemporary times! .This practice involves the removal of all or part of the female genetalia. The remaining flesh (outer lips) may then be stitched together in a procedure known as infibulations.

And small hole that allows menstruation and urination remains after infibulations, both intercourse and child birth will cause pain and young girls that undergo mutilation will never gain pleasure from sex. Others die in the process!

The penalty for a person caught practicing Female Genital Mutilation is 10 years sentence in jail and one that causes death of the young girl in same act faces life sentence. Traditional culture is not a substitute of human rights, it is the cultural context in which human rights must be established, integrated, promoted and protected.

Human rights must be approached in a way that is meaningful and relevant in the cultural context that ultimately yields lasting peace among the people. FGM is typical cultural violence, demeans society members, and causes stigma and discrimination all that breeds conflict and eventually wars.

It is upon the state by any means to directly intervene, not just to cause impressions by passing bills and watch as nationals continue to be agonised each other in the name of culture. According to the Bible, the disciples sailing on stormy water mass could not hold, they woke up Jesus and he calmed the storm (Mk 4:39)!

Where are the religious leaders? What about the civil society? Please call at a loud voice and have Uganda`s future leaders get saved from permanent shame and damage. The actors should know that peace does come from violent culture but from the hearts of the people ready to cause peaceful decisions to change society. To all Ugandans, it remains rather a contention of naivety to boast of peace in Uganda amidst such gross violation of human rights.

Last Saturday in a new vision report by Womakuyu Fredrick (December 4th, 2010 P.3), it was reportedly a fulfillment of that promise the elders made to the whole world that they would circumcise 200 girls; 120 girls were circumcised, and only 80 of the planned figure escaped. It is a pity, more so that a big chunk of today’s leadership is pursuing rounds of terms of service to keep culturally enslaved Ugandans in a life-threatening practice (FGM).

Unfortunately, most Ugandans never care –so long as it is other individuals affected. In a peace session of 30 participants discussing peace and in particular FGM, only two said the practice is an acceptable; the rest simply condoned it saying it was a cultural right.

Even when one of the two participants –who expressed bitterness about FGM put it clearly to the best education of participants that FGM was as bad as cutting off the whole penis of a man, they were, still, not moved.

The same happened for a long time regarding Karamoja –when most people justified their way of life –probably as a source of national income –through tourism. It is a struggle, which either caring Sabiny people, if there is any, the media, or international community must commit themselves to and help arrest the situation.

Otherwise, Uganda’s unrepresentative government, nursing only their prolonged stay in power and economic greed, very unreliable yet determined to keep the status quo cannot be entrusted anymore with lives of Ugandans –as was evidenced by events that have happened over a period of five to ten years.

The Incidents like the cult mass murders in Kanungu in 2000 –in which over 1,000 members of the movement for the restoration of the ten commandments ignorantly, without prevention mechanism in place of any kind by the state lost their lives; the September 11th, 2009 riots in which 30 unarmed civilians were massacred by security agencies; and the July 11th, 2010 terror attacks –in which over 76 Ugandans were killed. And in all such violence, government either did not warn the population or received outcomes as breaking news.

The same report by Womakuyu indicated that the UN Fund for population Activities allocated around $300,000 for FGM activities, but, until now, there is nothing on the ground to report about. So we observe a marriage of harmful corruption and harmful culture giving rise to traumatic conditions, and throughout the years until now a nation with no value for life, or rather too cheap to feel the losses and destructions it.

Even the patriotic program being fronted by the leadership is only aimed at dividing Ugandans further only to add on the lasting effects of individual merit politics once concretized by the same regime. Now people have been blinded-folded by ‘another rap’ more new promises without questioning those whose dates to materialize are as Christianizing as the coming of Christ promise.

Now if the leadership fails to show concern about life threatening scenarios like child sacrifice, jiggers, corruption in the health sector, rampant robberies and simple murders in the outskirts of the city; and Ugandans too fail, who shall be take the responsibility to intervene and stop the nonsense? Do not get surprised when the jigger-affected people –who have won international sympathy accept status quo by electing the same leadership to keep around national problems by 99% vote.

But responsibility begins with the individual, but the Saturday Vision report by Womakuyu showed that even FGM candidates can be ‘irresponsible’ by giving in the risky practice. For example, Alice Chemutai –who gave in to FGM, and after it she said, “I am happy I have become a woman by being circumcised. I will be able to do what other cut women do. I will now be able to climb into the granary or milk cows, which I was not allowed to do till now” is a good case.

When the cost-benefit analysis is brought into play to compare such a statement and the life-long impairment of the reproductive system, the cost beats any such culturally-assumed benefits. These are the issues NGOs –especially with reproductive health and human rights components need to outline during sensitisation programs if any.

Unfortunately, reports show that there is nothing on the ground despite funds inflow to support those programs. Of course, government or health ministry must not be mentioned here if the FGM must be redirected and uprooted out of the mental faculties of the affected communities. It is already evidenced that they can not deliver.

The questions remain: what is the role of the law enforcement agencies or the obligation of government to its people? Who do the leadership represent, or the technocrats? Could they be representatives of animals or themselves? Where are the policy makers and technocrats? Can leaders and agencies concern account for the funds they receive to run health, security, and human rights programs? Where is patriotism and who does it serve? Should field media men and women involve police on life-threatening matters –as a more proactive press?


By

Richard Rurangwa Byamukama and Jacob Waiswa
Conflict and Peace Centre, Makerere University

RESTRICTED MEMBERSHIP TO POLITICAL PARTIES: A CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

It is fair to say that Uganda has made considerable advances in democracy over the last thirteen years slowly, but surely. It had taken a lot of political pressure from then Uganda people's Congress (UPC)'s Cecilia Ogwal and the Rwanyarare group before Milton Obote ate his own child -the UPC achievements. The trend in UPC has notably been that of either eating its own children or abusing them.

The pressure group, in later years, was joined by Democratic Party (DP) led by Paul Ssemwogere after eating enough from the ruling National Resistance Army/Movement (NRM/A).

We now have so many political parties ranging from originals or historicals, the outspoken, and the non-government organization-like ones -most of which are so insignificant. Thanks to UPC, who like Jesus Christ -courageously made a way for others and registered so many converts, much as they are not directly under its leadership.

In one of the violent crashes with police, similar to Forum for Democratic change (FDC) and Magara fuss in Mengo, a UPC youth was killed. Actually now we clearly see FDC, this time round, not just leading the forum, but the front for political change.

That is how costly it has been before giving some sort breathing space for opposition political parties. Along with donor pressure the chains where removed off the feet, but tightly retained those around the arms.

However, intelligent government approaches keeps it going without much political threats. Absolute breathing space is only a preserve of the ruling party, which enables it to shrive with no much political pressure. Much, though, we have to appreciate the fact that political parties help keep government awake.

The current opposition political parties have a condition that limits their activities more to the headquarters, where some journalists are called upon to witness on behalf of the nation.
Beyond such a condition, permission must be sought, which of course often works to the disadvantage of the opposition political parties. Perhaps permitted rallies would be the kind organized in the bushes, where people do not live.

But not only did they deal with local opposition political parties and armed rebellions successfully, but also their intellectual opponents -including mainly M. Mamdani, the likes of A. Nsibambi and T. Kabwegere.

Their writings, presentations and vibrant talks at famous debating theatre (makerere University), then, was either replaced with friendship between them and the system or dead men's silence.

But like the famous big snake of the biblical Moses, president Museveni ate them up. Only a few like Mamdani and O. Afinaduula escaped the python as biblical Daniel did by refusing to vow, though we should expect the last kicks of a dying horse from them.

Perhaps some presidents, “not shrewd enough” could give opposition political parties their full political rights -especially the one to assemble; from the word go, as soon as it is demanded.

They well know that such a demand, if not checked could arouse mass participation, mass action in favor of the opposition capturing power, to overwhelm the ruling party; so threatening that it could cause serious instabilities within government and out of it.

Whether for the good or for the worse, advocates of political rights would be constantly perceived as “jokers,” and any action by them stopped as “nonsense that should not derail development.”

Amidst such strong political winds, as UPC's early encounters with government that could have been strongest if Kizza Besigye and others had come around that time, then kony rebellion taking its toll on the people of northern Uganda, the cattle rustling in Karamoja too, military defections on the other hand; but assuringly, the fellows were able to cause order and calm patiently, yet decisively.

Currently, if the machinery is still at its best as usually seen to be, observers will be waiting to see how well they handle the pressure from Besigye and Mengo. Them, combined, reminds us of Kabaka Yekka (KY) and UPC and the precipitating events.

At times, hieghtened conflicts called for notorious action leading to direct killings, without trial, for the sake of calling the “offensive group to order”. Having gone all through that, they now feel very confident that no one can bring fujjo and as more difficult than ever to do so.

So, if they talk of a dynasty, probably some people would agree, given above background, while those on the power high-table could think and feel the heaven as actually on earth, not elsewhere. Maybe yes, but best if president Museveni undergoes ecdysis to live the years that constitute a dynasty.

Very intelligently, he lets out one dog at the time -usually a card played to invoke massive election support. We now hear that local council chairmen and women will be paid some form of salaries soon, which alone can sufficiently retain considerable amount of support nationally -regardless of Besigye and Mutebi intentions. What a genius! Possibly, yes.

Against all odds, if this worked, rationally, he would deserve another doctorate. Having done that, then, he could, set up a university to take on his political science philosophies to the next generations, and to nurture young unstable governments in Africa. Perhaps, Kyankwanzi school could be the foundation.

Even within themselves, they do struggle and fight intelligently. They have either eaten up runaway comrades or let some others go -especially after legally sterilizing them so well career-wise or business-wise that they will never be that harmful to affect any election outcome. The so-called politically damaging former allies are not really so, but rather manageable.

These fellows are true managers, not just leaders; they can effectively, efficiently and decisively deal with challenges of the day, successfully. When such challenges are perceived as politically threatening, they will always be swift to act, accordingly. Look at how they handle elections; mindless of the approach. To them, approach is never an issue; but a favorable election result. The balance to that will be left for scholars.

When they realized that allowing secret ballot in parliament would affect decision-making -especially given a possibility that some of their “trusted” members of parliament could vote the opposite or undesired side, had it scrapped. Having done that, they would feel confident and in control of their political destiny.

The ruling political party could be assured of victory in parliament whether in nation's interest or not. And what could the allied members of parliament do besides following the hand that fed them? The ruling party succeeded when choice was made more of a public matter than secret ballot, which too worked under the direct influence of the genius.

After realizing there was no law to make it part of the system, also, finds it a genius-man's idea to have political choices public by law. He and others are now proposing to make it illegal for anyone standing outside party setting -realizing that it would weaken the system. Instead, they agree to have all the support go to one anointed party-candidate and, as a slogan or party principle. Indeed, that augurs well in favor for a strong political party.

If that happened, the outcome will be another complicated issue; how well it goes, is the question. But, noticeably, it would infringe on individual rights. Political party principles may stand in motion a little longer, but not person's opinions about nation's political outlook and development strategy, more so when he or she feels oppressed and when there never debate or voter consultation on contentious issues.

There must be a time when the political party principles will fade and mean nothing to its members. If not adjusted to fit the changing political times, as soon as possible, it could be disastrous to continue working under them. There are already evident stories of that -in UPC and the democratic party (DP) -each having the progressives and conservatives combined. Isn't that suicide?

Usually people, who commit suicide never come back to life. Maybe there is still hope for affected political parties. Funny enough, when some are asked to join a coalition, they feel proud on no understable ground. In addition, they fight and eat their own children -the supporters and achievements. Isn't that political psychosis?

With promotion of party-choice representation as what is lawful, it could side-by-side come along with political fraud, political malice, and the unfit coming to the fore at the expense of the politically-fit; a scenario where Darwin's theory of survival for the fittest will not be measured on the basis of intellect, but by power or combined radiating from one solid angle. When asked by journalists to comment on the outcomes of national executive committee elections, Otafire was too brief to say, “intrigue.”

That is a case of confusions that occur at political party primaries and at political parties national executive committee elections, the back-door phenomena -not using the main door to gain one's political position, or a Mafia-style phenomenon -where someone drops down from the roof to gain a political position with the majority's surprise of how that happens. Mafiasm as many call it will be the order. Maybe it might be interesting for us to see so we can have a moment to prove it.

Voters at either parties' electoral college or universal suffrage, will be forced to select a unworthy person for a political appointment, just because of mafias' actions. If anyone had someone in mind -as felt never to qualify for high office on the basis of corruption, the assurance guaranteed will be that the new proposal will defeat the moralists' plans.

If the machinery instructs its supporters to heed, then, they will. Remember that so many rewards would follow from election wins, where wins are usually a must or expected. If, for example, one does not eat pork, he will be forced to. It will be a time when one's wishes and/or beliefs did not mean anything: to who?

Also, not forgetting to mention that generating fear of losing jobs would be a weapon of the day -guarded by a legislation to determine political choices. Who will want to be seen opting for a different choice from that required by law.

Unless one did not vote so that the mobilized ones make the party's anointed one go through unopposed on his or her behalf, there will be pressure to heed. It can be painfully conflicting with one's conscience, especially given the dynamic nature of human beings. The question remains: for how long will the proposed law-supported repression stand, and what cost?


Jacob Waiswa
Situation Health Analyst
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com


















It is fair to say that Uganda has made considerable advances in democracy over the last thirteen years slowly, but surely. It had taken a lot of political pressure from then Uganda people's Congress (UPC)'s Cecilia Ogwal and the Rwanyarare group before Milton Obote ate his own child -the UPC achievements. The trend in UPC has notably been that of either eating its own children or abusing them.

The pressure group, in later years, was joined by Democratic Party (DP) led by Paul Ssemwogere after eating enough from the ruling National Resistance Army/Movement (NRM/A).

We now have so many political parties ranging from originals or historicals, the outspoken, and the non-government organization-like ones -most of which are so insignificant. Thanks to UPC, who like Jesus Christ -courageously made a way for others and registered so many converts, much as they are not directly under its leadership.

In one of the violent crashes with police, similar to Forum for Democratic change (FDC) and Magara fuss in Mengo, a UPC youth was killed. Actually now we clearly see FDC, this time round, not just leading the forum, but the front for political change.

That is how costly it has been before giving some sort breathing space for opposition political parties. Along with donor pressure the chains where removed off the feet, but tightly retained those around the arms.

However, intelligent government approaches keeps it going without much political threats. Absolute breathing space is only a preserve of the ruling party, which enables it to shrive with no much political pressure. Much, though, we have to appreciate the fact that political parties help keep government awake.

The current opposition political parties have a condition that limits their activities more to the headquarters, where some journalists are called upon to witness on behalf of the nation.
Beyond such a condition, permission must be sought, which of course often works to the disadvantage of the opposition political parties. Perhaps permitted rallies would be the kind organized in the bushes, where people do not live.

But not only did they deal with local opposition political parties and armed rebellions successfully, but also their intellectual opponents -including mainly M. Mamdani, the likes of A. Nsibambi and T. Kabwegere.

Their writings, presentations and vibrant talks at famous debating theatre (makerere University), then, was either replaced with friendship between them and the system or dead men's silence.

But like the famous big snake of the biblical Moses, president Museveni ate them up. Only a few like Mamdani and O. Afinaduula escaped the python as biblical Daniel did by refusing to vow, though we should expect the last kicks of a dying horse from them.

Perhaps some presidents, “not shrewd enough” could give opposition political parties their full political rights -especially the one to assemble; from the word go, as soon as it is demanded.

They well know that such a demand, if not checked could arouse mass participation, mass action in favor of the opposition capturing power, to overwhelm the ruling party; so threatening that it could cause serious instabilities within government and out of it.

Whether for the good or for the worse, advocates of political rights would be constantly perceived as “jokers,” and any action by them stopped as “nonsense that should not derail development.”

Amidst such strong political winds, as UPC's early encounters with government that could have been strongest if Kizza Besigye and others had come around that time, then kony rebellion taking its toll on the people of northern Uganda, the cattle rustling in Karamoja too, military defections on the other hand; but assuringly, the fellows were able to cause order and calm patiently, yet decisively.

Currently, if the machinery is still at its best as usually seen to be, observers will be waiting to see how well they handle the pressure from Besigye and Mengo. Them, combined, reminds us of Kabaka Yekka (KY) and UPC and the precipitating events.

At times, hieghtened conflicts called for notorious action leading to direct killings, without trial, for the sake of calling the “offensive group to order”. Having gone all through that, they now feel very confident that no one can bring fujjo and as more difficult than ever to do so.

So, if they talk of a dynasty, probably some people would agree, given above background, while those on the power high-table could think and feel the heaven as actually on earth, not elsewhere. Maybe yes, but best if president Museveni undergoes ecdysis to live the years that constitute a dynasty.

Very intelligently, he lets out one dog at the time -usually a card played to invoke massive election support. We now hear that local council chairmen and women will be paid some form of salaries soon, which alone can sufficiently retain considerable amount of support nationally -regardless of Besigye and Mutebi intentions. What a genius! Possibly, yes.

Against all odds, if this worked, rationally, he would deserve another doctorate. Having done that, then, he could, set up a university to take on his political science philosophies to the next generations, and to nurture young unstable governments in Africa. Perhaps, Kyankwanzi school could be the foundation.

Even within themselves, they do struggle and fight intelligently. They have either eaten up runaway comrades or let some others go -especially after legally sterilizing them so well career-wise or business-wise that they will never be that harmful to affect any election outcome. The so-called politically damaging former allies are not really so, but rather manageable.

These fellows are true managers, not just leaders; they can effectively, efficiently and decisively deal with challenges of the day, successfully. When such challenges are perceived as politically threatening, they will always be swift to act, accordingly. Look at how they handle elections; mindless of the approach. To them, approach is never an issue; but a favorable election result. The balance to that will be left for scholars.

When they realized that allowing secret ballot in parliament would affect decision-making -especially given a possibility that some of their “trusted” members of parliament could vote the opposite or undesired side, had it scrapped. Having done that, they would feel confident and in control of their political destiny.

The ruling political party could be assured of victory in parliament whether in nation's interest or not. And what could the allied members of parliament do besides following the hand that fed them? The ruling party succeeded when choice was made more of a public matter than secret ballot, which too worked under the direct influence of the genius.

After realizing there was no law to make it part of the system, also, finds it a genius-man's idea to have political choices public by law. He and others are now proposing to make it illegal for anyone standing outside party setting -realizing that it would weaken the system. Instead, they agree to have all the support go to one anointed party-candidate and, as a slogan or party principle. Indeed, that augurs well in favor for a strong political party.

If that happened, the outcome will be another complicated issue; how well it goes, is the question. But, noticeably, it would infringe on individual rights. Political party principles may stand in motion a little longer, but not person's opinions about nation's political outlook and development strategy, more so when he or she feels oppressed and when there never debate or voter consultation on contentious issues.

There must be a time when the political party principles will fade and mean nothing to its members. If not adjusted to fit the changing political times, as soon as possible, it could be disastrous to continue working under them. There are already evident stories of that -in UPC and the democratic party (DP) -each having the progressives and conservatives combined. Isn't that suicide?

Usually people, who commit suicide never come back to life. Maybe there is still hope for affected political parties. Funny enough, when some are asked to join a coalition, they feel proud on no understable ground. In addition, they fight and eat their own children -the supporters and achievements. Isn't that political psychosis?

With promotion of party-choice representation as what is lawful, it could side-by-side come along with political fraud, political malice, and the unfit coming to the fore at the expense of the politically-fit; a scenario where Darwin's theory of survival for the fittest will not be measured on the basis of intellect, but by power or combined radiating from one solid angle. When asked by journalists to comment on the outcomes of national executive committee elections, Otafire was too brief to say, “intrigue.”

That is a case of confusions that occur at political party primaries and at political parties national executive committee elections, the back-door phenomena -not using the main door to gain one's political position, or a Mafia-style phenomenon -where someone drops down from the roof to gain a political position with the majority's surprise of how that happens. Mafiasm as many call it will be the order. Maybe it might be interesting for us to see so we can have a moment to prove it.

Voters at either parties' electoral college or universal suffrage, will be forced to select a unworthy person for a political appointment, just because of mafias' actions. If anyone had someone in mind -as felt never to qualify for high office on the basis of corruption, the assurance guaranteed will be that the new proposal will defeat the moralists' plans.

If the machinery instructs its supporters to heed, then, they will. Remember that so many rewards would follow from election wins, where wins are usually a must or expected. If, for example, one does not eat pork, he will be forced to. It will be a time when one's wishes and/or beliefs did not mean anything: to who?

Also, not forgetting to mention that generating fear of losing jobs would be a weapon of the day -guarded by a legislation to determine political choices. Who will want to be seen opting for a different choice from that required by law.

Unless one did not vote so that the mobilized ones make the party's anointed one go through unopposed on his or her behalf, there will be pressure to heed. It can be painfully conflicting with one's conscience, especially given the dynamic nature of human beings. The question remains: for how long will the proposed law-supported repression stand, and what cost?


Jacob Waiswa
Situation Health Analyst
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com

FDC CARRYING THE UGANDA OPPOSITION'S FLAG

BREAKING MUNTU PRESIDENTIAL BID BARRIERS FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE...

Pronounced militarization of the Ugandan opposition political parties started with the rise and growth of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as a party. Soldiers now play the game of politics in a more democratic environment.

More so, at the level of having to contest for presidency -without bullets shoot-outs at each other. Before president Museveni's came to power, politics was about armed confrontation. The country used to have popular political parties entirely resting on the foundation of armed wings.

Now, it is barely that, but rather, exercising of human rights and democracy to achieving positive national outlook. FDC has showed that they have more concern for national building and character than just individual interests and merits.

Members, whose individual interests tended to overshadow national ones have automatically been filtered out. The unfavored ones by change would, as they did try, create commotion. However, as exercised, it is the party's relentless duty to settle conflicts -as they emerge to help it progress.

Opportunists today still create an atmosphere -where people have to take any chance to personal achievement. Of all parties in Uganda, FDC gives the greatest optimism and chance to many ambitious people.

People, now, have to come out boldly to sow in such a fertile party, as FDC. Democratic Party (DP), well, has the kind of ambitious members, but only at a Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) level. Beyond that, the party ceases. But, also, their activities (for UYD) are only felt in central region.

It is FDC that has turned out to be the biggest challenger to the ruling National Resistance Movement/Organization (NRM/O). With most political parties agreeing a partnership with it, the challenge could turnout to be in its favor.

But, their membership and substance of the partners must, of course, be encouraging and credible enough to meet the challenge. A political party, for example, whose partners have membership constituting only the national executive, could add less to the final result, yet expecting more during power sharing.

In bid to sharpening its winning edge, FDC already shows progress through re-organizing internal structures, as well as, creating and consolidating a healthy partnerships with its allies.

It is, on the positive note, already rejuvenating itself in preparation for political contests some where in 2011 –as observable from its activities like election of new leaders and effectively dealing with member indiscipline.

However, unlike in the United States, where political party contests feature candidates engaging themselves in heated debates on domestic and foreign policy, FDC has strangely made it a gentleman's game.

Contestants like Mugisha Muntu hesitates to say Kizza Besigye's weaknesses as maybe his own strength. He, instead, sweet-talks about everything surrounding the party -including Besigye and himself. Perhaps being party's mobilization secretary fixed him that way. He might have got used to promoting party positives, from which he could be rewarded.

It is interesting to note also that even from the name, Muntu – meaning people; one could add some sense to a statement like, “holder of the name puts people first and other things second”. Incidentally, also, names tend to speak something about people.

Knowledge of and respect for each other, makes it easy for Muntu to take a chance and add something to his curriculum vitae, as becoming party president and later on head of state. It is time, actually, for members to show their ambitions and subsequently challenge for them.

As a gentleman, who respects everyone and works around positives, curious people may find it hard to see him attack Besigye's personally. Instead, they will see him work for positive party developments, as he too explores the heights, along. That, however, would look odd to Besigye's fans, who fancy tough-taking and fearless-talking characters.

But, when Besigye first emerged to contest against the ruling NRM/O, there were people, who immediately said no; on grounds that he sounded rough, violent, just angry for some reasons and, as person seeking revenge. They argued that he could be a worse dictator than the one (incumbent). As a result, they preferred to stick-up with the ruling party.

Truly, there can be positives in alternatives that are sometimes greater than previous choice (s). Muntu, for example, could create another dimension to attract more people from the NRM/O including those, who for long were opposed to Besigye's personality. And the end could mean political disaster for the politically unhealthy NRM/O membership; then, characterized by defections. And, in turn, lead to success of the opposition flag bearer, FDC.

As for FDC, some members and sympathizers may find it unbearable to keep losing every general elections, and feel re-organization within the party ensues to increase likelihood, hope, enthusiasm and confidence that the party will take power in forth-coming elections. Such attributes have gone down over time.

However, previous opinion polls only focused on measuring popularity of the ruling party as compared to others (opposition political parties). Unless they had in mind a view that party president and political party were inseparable, it would be great if they specifically gave figures showing popularity overtime of party presidents in their respective political parties, as well. This is so because a political party might be popular but lose due to unpopular party president and vice-versa.

At the beginning and, as expected, building a Muntu character and member acceptance, would be itself challenging. But creating a campaign strategy that is intended to reduce uncertainty and fear among those curious about his candidature, would be key for him (Muntu). Here, fear de-toxicating messages, would be massively advertised or popularized, like Weasel and Moze's songs are now -for now and in the future.

With leadership and almost everything getting militarized for various reasons like building electorate confidence and hope that they would be secure under such arrangement as military option, when head of state is of that background in an African country -with “stubborn” people and hard-to-tame generals like Uganda. Muntu, too, could offer that.

In fact, it is the military component and advantage that gives FDC a better ground than other parties in such an African political setting compared to non-military presidential candidates. This is the arrangement for Uganda at such an age of or level of maturity for democracy.

In terms of success-rate and commodity marketability, FDC proves that better, especially being at a more national-level field-play -with gentlemen and democratic leaders, yet of military backgrounds. No wonder, it is the leader of the opposition in Uganda.

Within such a person in Muntu, it would not be reasonable for FDC members, who insecure and fear change. Surely, for now and in the future, they all have to open-minded and only give each contestant a platform -on which to offer new developmental plans for the party and nation. Fear of the unknown in the face of a good plans and leaders should never arise, at such a time when political changes are becoming fashionable.

And, since FDC values change (C), as derived from the abbreviation, members too should reflect realities for change, democratically. Not walking the talk that has been a cancer in Uganda's political parties could stop. Why would they want some other people to go -leave presidency when themselves do not encourage it within their political party?

The opposition political parties have for long claimed to struggle for democracy, yet within them was hell. Some parties, like Conservative Party (CP) have not had democratic change for a long time. Instead, it was a coup d'etat by a junior official against the senior one (Lukyamuzi Ken and Mayanja-Nkangi, respectively).

Like in the corporate world, job openings would prompt an organization or company to advertise them in search for suitable candidates. And, again as expected, every interested person would apply to serve in that institution or organization.

FDC is like such organizations advertising political positions and Muntu is one of those interested in taking a role and as many will in the future, as party president president. That is good for him as for other contestants for various party positions. The nation will only watch to see who comes in to serve it.

However, it is interesting to note that at this level, a party as young as FDC has capacity to ensure internal discipline, and maybe; the same would manifested when they come to power. But they say power corrupts and does so absolutely. Ugandans will just wait and see.

Technically pruning-off un-helping characters successfully -without another or bigger crisis within, was a surprise. Such and continued show of national character, could do well for FDC in terms of success.

Successfully going through the current transition stage, under similar show of good political discipline could mean well for Ugandans and stake-holders. It, eventually, could be flag-bearer to meaningful democracy and citizenship in Uganda. And the much hard-to-get faith from the electorate too could be attained, and perhaps other political parties might learn from progressive FDC.

Waiswa Jacob
Situation Health Analyst
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com

MANAGING SABOTEURS' ACTIONS AND SABOTAGE SITUATIONS

Saboteurs, according to wikipedia.org are people whose deliberate actions are aimed at weakening perceived enemy and oppressor -through subversion, obstruction, disruption, and destruction. Saboteurs can be classified in war terms as enemies or spies -whose core intention, like terrorist, is to destroy.

Indeed, if one had saboteurs around himself or herself, it would be a kind of war or struggle -whose duration can be had to calculate. Instead, it could more of just commitment to the relentless fight for self-liberation, or for others.

Some people might choose to call it psychological warfare (imagined attack or imagined planned attack). Also called mind game (s) between individuals and groups, or even nations -which could be followed by potentially injurious actions targeting their victims.

And some say it is the most decisive kind of war, since after disabling a victim, he or she retains life, but with untold trauma, as well. Actually, if not treated, the victim could lose himself to insanity.

The other kind of war is that involving physical confrontation. It might be an armed or an unarmed confrontation. An armed is that involving gun shoot-outs, metal bar or any other, but lethal weapon, while unarmed considers fist and kick-administration to physically harm another person, or other people.

It is important that individuals under constant acts sabotage from sadists form defense and escape values that clearly define their goals and relationship with others -along the path of positive individual growth and development.

In that disregard, appropriate ways of interaction and behavior will be developed not only to fail saboteurs' dangerous missions, but to reduce or control mental and physical damage. Lowly, animals have varied ways of dealing with enemies -like being confrontational, adapting or prisonisation, and retreating or relocating.

It is a trying moment -which requires highest possible adaptation abilities. These can be acquired through training, socialization with toughed-up people or through successful experiences of hardships caused by toxic environment or people.

Alternatively, others would be so focussed on their values that no attention to saboteurs' actions. Making them as of no meaning -during the time of sabotage -especially that is psychological.

It will not be very long when, they (saboteurs) begin to look foolish and retreat filled with shame, or asking themselves why they were doing such a thing -especially without attention-reward being given to them. It is a non-violent strategy proposed by the humanists , which calls on the oppressed not to acknowledge evil deeds of the aggressor.

Unfortunately, not many can keep off their attention to the worst provocation. They will want to revenge -which later turns out to be the long-awaited game for the aggressor, now that attention has been given.

Stress could be encountered whilst under too much pressure to deal saboteurs' distracting actions, and the fact that one might be surrounded by insults, acts to deprive and deface. At times, it can be so acute that everything as planned get stalled, and at the same time down with stress-related illnesses. This could interfere with normal work and social life, and, of course; general well-being.

Whilst in that situation, it would be important to successfully manage stress and keep track with life normal life routines, be healthy, able to work and overcome nasty people. Any moment one fell sick, would be a tea party and a kind of victory for the saboteurs.

They (saboteurs) would laugh their heads off. Unless portrayed as a camouflage to them, one's weakness should never be showed. If they were, saboteurs' position would be strengthed the more.

These people do anything to inflict pain on whoever they choose as their target. Their different forms of hurting might be to defame, hate campaign, attracting others into the hurting or suffocating business against their victim -while surprisingly devoting entire day's time on designing insults, negative wishes and actions, or pray for calamity to befall their victim.

The climax could be making plans to take away life of a person or people in target, and eventually, execute the plan. To them pain felt by perceived “enemy” would be their happiness or satisfaction -to keep reinforcing their actions.

The same reinforcement could encourage them to continuously fail progress of others, to damage their reputation, to grab only assets possessed and remorselessly destroy victim's good character developed over years.

In dealing with such troublesome persons, a survival, interaction or relationship-boundary management and achievement plan, or as a combination, ought to be pooled and pursued. For example, finding caring friends -to safely oversee one's sensitive assets, to provide safe food to eat and water to drink, or find trustworthy eating places, to share one's troubles with, to derive inspirations and encouragement, among others. Meanwhile, at personal level, the victimized person could make it a habit to do physical exercises -to help the body cope with pressure.

Making use an existing network of friends created over time -to support one's cause in terms of living-space sharing, discover career development opportunities, share and strength one's vision -through moral support given by the friends' network, and many other ways.

Doing so, would help one realize cherished peace and experience relief or reduced pressure, elevated self-esteem and confidence in pursuit of his or her goals, above the negative forces and subsequently escape the enslavement.

In the process of achieving one's goal, expectations must be known -like necessity to struggle and painfully accept to maneuver through the success path -regardless of the size of the “dragons” along. A lot of patience would be needed, and time bought to have the toxic situation overhauled.

Of course, so often, there can be set backs and tears of a suffering man or woman, but at the same time, one has to reassure himself or herself that through belief, hardworking, mental and action-focussed pattern, one runs several miles away from his or her troubles.

Through activities like meditation, physical exercises, religious or faith-related activities, creating healthy social circles, and channeling one's time on positive aspects of life, giving the toxic people space to reduce possible mental and physical damage or their recur.

One must set himself or herself into strength mode and continue to grow that way, with determination, self-belief and self-assurance that all will be fine. A kind of self-resuscitation, which requires putting an idea under frequent practice -to finally be there as planned.

Coming out of the constantly provoking distracters of wellness, achievement, and the time-wasting on dealing with toxic people, requires identifying one's abilities that could foster success, developing self-belief and beginning the long walk to trouble-relieving success.

To do that, the victim must visualize, realize and recognize that it is a fact that they must save themselves from the toxic social environment and acknowledge that current conditions will change for the better. Then, a self-rescue plan could follow and subsequent change actions -integrating career development and relocating oneself in a better development-enabling area.

It is these that positively prove the real worth of oneself past progress-saboteurs, rather than languish in misery caused by the toxic individuals. The new standards set would be geared to redefining oneself -towards achievement and generate motivating power to come out of the oppressive chains and attain harmony and peace in life.

Personal hobbies and interests would be the closest “ally” to make use of. These help take one's time away from the distractions of toxic people -as well as help reduce the emotional and mental damage that could have penetrated deep into the self.

Similarly, making social contributions through one's hobbies and interests could help undo their negative criticisms and plans. They too could help market the best of one's personality to the community. In the area of career development it could as well be a big plus, as one might identify a talent to exploit or even attract employers.

It would be important, as well, that one creates partnerships in the course of developing career goals. They could, in most cases, be of the type -who have been the the field longer. Such partnerships may be with old friends to begin with, much as good approach to strangers too yield excellent partnerships.

After some time of testing ones abilities and competencies with partners or business friends, further introductions could be made of ones accomplishments to organizations and firms that may need the services, skills or knowledge. But adding problems to already existing ones must, with immediate, be minimized. Some strangers might rake any little achievement so far.

Networks too could be invested into in terms of time, and if need be -spend money. Much of the information one lacked would with network members. They could be effectively utilized, when searching for opportunities out there -through strategic interactions, chats or otherwise, and conclusions would be made -as to where opportunities for personal development are.

Also necessary, would be; seeking any chance available of furthering one's education or strengthening curriculum vitae -through experiential learning. They could be either short term or long-term training -aimed at acquiring new skills. As a consequence, one's goal of positive personal experiences, and of peace and harmony would be enabled.

An opportunity got from one's social networks could be rather act as a ladders to higher career steps, than calling it the end of career-goal pursuit. It could be habit for one to send job applications elsewhere and everywhere in relentless attempts towards positive changes in his or her life. As career authors put it, “the moment one enters an organizations, he o she soon makes possible attempts to exit,” which indeed is a true reflection of an ambitious person.

For one to swiftly move through a career development course successfully, he or she must consult with most relevant information and resource persons around. And, be the kind, who has concretized a reading culture.

Important, also, would be the act of sharing one's vision with friends -who are positive about life. This could help greatly strength mentally one's commitment to the set plan for change actions, give confidence and enhance more creativity around obstacles in the path to one's goal (s).

Friends' compliments, encouragement and advices or constructive criticisms would be the source of positive personal attributes. It would be doing injustice to oneself, if helpful criticism was not taken for self correction. Most of it might be re-directing or suggesting him or her to re-think and get onto the right path.

Sparing time for prayer and/or meditation would be another avenue to consider along one's path to positive personal growth and development, and liberate oneself from the infringes of poverty, dehumanization and misery. Saboteurs, like any life challenge or obstacle, could stall or delay progress and toxic to individual survival, but manageable -if one really knew what he or she wanted in life.