Election weekend

Aaron J. Fekete

2/25/11

Journal 5 – Election Weekend

Since arrival in Uganda posters filled the walls of buildings, fences, and corners of every street. As in every country presidential elections are a big deal for it may or may not determine the prosperity of the individual and the country as a whole. Before entering the country I was aware that elections were going to take place. This thought began to stir my imagination as to what could possibly happen during the election period. I have heard from movies and other sources of stories about much rioting and violence that has lead into civil wars in the countries of Africa. As much as I was pretending to be confident in such a matter not coming to light the thought still haunted the back of my mind. I began to wonder how and why such thoughts would be birthed in my mind? Could it be simply that I am uneducated about the politics and the people of Africa? I believe so. I believe now that I have been here and have seen elections first hand as to why violence may or may not erupt throughout the countries of Africa, at least in particular Uganda.
In short, the stability and peace of the economy is crucial for the lives of Ugandans to continue in their lives without disruption. In part it is almost life or death in politics. Previous wars have taken place in Uganda that has disrupted the lives and the advancement of the country. The other thing I was realizing to was that the country has never witness a peaceful transaction of power. This lead me to believe why the outcome of the election process went the way it did. In part it was for “prosperity”, which is part of the campaign slogan for the incumbent, but I feel prosperity can only be reached through peace in the region. The incumbent won a swift and clean election and life in Uganda seems to be as normal as it was I arrived. People are able to carry on with their lives without interference of divided nation.
As I mentioned before I had left to Uganda I had thoughts of possible uprisings in Uganda. A day or two before the elections people had dispersed to their home regions and an eerie feeling came about me as cities began to empty out and quiet down. Citizens had stocked up on supplies and went to be with their families for the results of the election and awaited the unknown. As results were being counted I had planned to come to school the following day the polls close and my brother mentioned that I should wait. It occurred to me that the elections I experience in the states have always been so peaceful that we can carry on without daily lives without considering their to be rioting or disruption. I had made plans, but had to keep in mind that they could easily be canceled if people were to flock to the stress in jubilee or anger. The incumbent won the election and life seemed to appear very normal, not to say that my personal experience was nothing close to the normal I experience at home during American elections. I had some anticipation for the results with the added ingredients of anxiety perhaps fear. Thankfully prayers have been answered. Now time for the chicken farm to start! Can't wait until it happens...i will keep you all posted. Thanks for reading