Awareness

November 18, 2020, will forever be etched in our collective memory as a day of unimaginable tragedy. Countless innocent lives were brutally taken, their dreams and aspirations extinguished in an instant. A young child, full of promise and potential, was among those senselessly killed. That fateful day, the world witnessed the horrors unfold on live camera, a stark reminder of our failure as a society. The brutal killings shook the very foundations of our humanity, leaving us to ponder: What drives individuals to commit such atrocities? No one deserves to die, especially not for political reasons. The value of human life is sacred, and its loss should never be celebrated. Yet, we see people rejoicing in the demise of others, oblivious to the fact that death awaits us all. Uganda's struggle for independence was meant to usher in an era of freedom, peace, and democracy. Our founding fathers envisioned a future where every citizen could live without fear, every voice could be heard, an...

One man asked, "Do you know why Satan had to tempt Jesus in the desert?" The devil told Jesus to change the stone into bread because Jesus was hungry. Here's the kicker: that's educative—the devil only tempts people who are in desperate situations. This man went on to say, "The devil will never tempt you to change the stone into bread when you're satisfied with food; he's not stupid. He waits until the time of your great need to drive you away from God, using what you need most." The whispers of the devil become louder when we are desperate and suffering. Thankfully, God already knew how weak we are during our challenging seasons, so He gave us another form of food—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's why it's essential to carry a Bible and pray almost every time you get the chance, especially in our desperate and challenging seasons. Many walk from church to church and from pastor to pastor, looking for solutions during those bad seasons. We s...

 My dearest Michelle, I'm sitting here with a heavy heart, trying to make sense of your departure. I don't remember hurting you, yelling at you, insulting you, or mistreating you in any way. I don't recall cheating on you or breaking the trust we shared. If I wasn't giving you enough, I thought we had a bond strong enough for you to tell me, and I would work harder. If it was less love, I believed our connection was deep enough for you to share your feelings, and I would strive to improve. I vividly remember our wedding day; you promised to stand by me until death parted us. We vowed to face life's challenges together, for better or worse. You said I was yours, and you were mine. Those words echo in my mind now. Every day, our children ask about you. Lilian looks out the window, hoping you'll return. I'm running out of words to explain your absence. Our son blames me, thinking I drove you away. The pain in their eyes is unbearable. As Lilian approach...

 Today, I seal our love forever. I remember the day I first saw you; I couldn't imagine that someone of low class like me could win the heart of a beautiful woman like you. That day, my eyes spoke a billion love poems, but your captivating beauty left me breathless. I had to muster the courage to approach you, knowing men with hearts like hyenas lurked, ready to snatch you away. I lied when I asked you for directions; truthfully, I just wanted to start a conversation. Thankfully, it worked out. I'm not promising to be the perfect husband, that would be a lie, but I vow to do my best. I love you; I want you to know that. Not even my foolishness will ever take it away. You're the first woman to love me for who I am: shabby, foolish, poor, and imperfect. You gave my dirty life a blind eye and loved me unconditionally. Thank you for being patient. I promise to work on myself, to grow and improve as your husband. I'll stand by you through every situation and sacrifice ...

Growing up, we often take our parents' efforts for granted. We overlook the sacrifices they make, the late nights and early mornings, the countless hours spent providing for us. But as we mature, we come to realize the magnitude of their love and dedication. Similarly, if we were to catch a glimpse of the spirit world, we would spend every waking moment praying. We would be astonished by the constant battle raging around us, the invisible forces seeking to destroy our souls. I share my testimony as a witness to an extraordinary event. During my school days, I was brutally attacked by a gang of thugs one fateful night. As I stood alone and defenseless, an angel appeared out of nowhere, driving the assailants away and escorting me home. I shared this story, but no one believed me. I understood their skepticism, for our minds struggle to comprehend such powerful entities. That incident was just a glimpse into the spiritual realm, a realm that operates beyond our physical senses. Every...

 The truth is, we're all going to become food for worms someday. This is the fate for everyone regardless of rank or honor. A lot of people have seemed to forget that we all have the same fate which is death. You find them killing as if they’ll never die, they beat, torture and oppress as if they own life.  I’ve written this article, basing on the notorious thief, murderer and robber called Sobi. This was a guy who created terror amongst innocent people and boasted in it. He caused suffering and pain, stealing, and killing with impunity for almost thirty years. All because of a paper called money. But like they say, “he who kills by the sword, dies by the sword”, Sobi died by the sword, killed in a manner that’s so inhuman. He was cut on his throat like a goat. A man who boasted in the wrongs that he did was found in cold blood like some kind of a street dog. The day he died, is when the nation knew that he even had a family that he loved. The late Prince Paul Kafeero said in ...

 In honor of Hon. Judith Babirye, Uganda's renowned Queen of Gospel Music. The freedom I've received was bought with blood, The hospitality I've received was made possible by blood, The price of life was paid in blood, The blood of Jesus, sufficient for me. When He died in shame, I saw mercy, The Son of God showed me love. The blood He poured out was precious, Washing and cleansing away every scar. The blood of Jesus is all I need, It washes away every scar. I'll dip my clothes in His blood, I will not fear when He calls my name. When He said, 'It is finished,' I survived the grave. When He said, 'Forgive them,' I received mercy. In His pain, He spoke for me because He loved me. He called out His Father to strengthen Him, so that I might live. The blood of Jesus is all I need, It washes away every scar. I'll dip my clothes in His blood, I will not fear when He calls my name. It’s enough when the grave is open, It’s enough when hope seems lost. Call o...

Honoring the Duo Behind 'Omwana Wani': Umar Mwange and Jackie Babirye's Musical Excellence Umar Mwanje: "If I pack clothes in a suitcase, does it mean they belong to the suitcase? Or if I store clothes in a wardrobe, does it mean they belong to the wardrobe? If I pour water into a tank, does it mean it belongs to the tank? Similarly, if I have a child with you, does it mean the child belongs to you? You women are like suitcases where we keep our children. The moment you give birth, the child belongs to the man. When dropped on the ground, the first name the child pronounces is 'daddy'." Jackie Babirye: "You men have a lot of nerve! Do you know the labor pain I felt when giving birth? You think the child belongs to the man? Have you ever carried a pregnancy for nine months? Have you ever experienced a man dying in labor? The child belongs to the woman! Pronouncing 'daddy' is just childish talk. When the child grows up and gets scared, they shou...

Jesus' teachings on divorce in Matthew 5:32 may seem unfair, especially when considering the harsh realities of toxic marriages. However, it's essential to understand the context and God's original design for marriage, as revealed in the biblical account of creation. In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve, demonstrating that He is the one who unites people in relationships. This divine union is the foundation of marriage, and it's crucial to recognize that God is the author of marriage. When we forget this and seek partners based on feelings, lust, or superficial qualities, we risk entering toxic marriages that can lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual harm. Hence, leading to divorce, a sin that Jesus Christ warned us about. God's original design for marriage is rooted in His goodness and desire for human flourishing. He created Eve to be Adam's helper and companion, and their union was meant to reflect God's love and wisdom. The answer to building ...

 Oh, God, it's been 2024 years since you left us. Your children are dying, suffering, and crying out for your intervention. Have you forgotten about the innocent? Why are you so silent when evil runs rampant, bringing sorrow and pain to the most vulnerable? In Africa, dictators have exploited the poor, using their power to enrich themselves while the people suffer. They've corrupted everything needed for survival: schools lie in ruins, hospitals lack basic medical supplies, and the economy is in shambles. People die recklessly because the dictator neglected his work, more concerned with maintaining his grip on power than serving his people. In Ukraine, children are hiding in bomb shelters, their childhoods shattered by the sound of gunfire and explosions. In Yemen, they're dying of starvation, their tiny bodies weakened by hunger and disease. In Syria, they're forced to flee their homes, their families torn apart by conflict and violence. In Gaza, children are trapped i...

In a world where success is often measured by earthly standards, there exists a group of individuals who embody the greatest job on earth. Street preachers of God, armed with the transformative power of the gospel, take to the streets to share the message of redemption. Their calling surpasses the influence of presidents, the bravery of navy sailors, and the expertise of any profession. For what is more impactful than saving souls from eternal darkness? What is more courageous than standing firm in the face of adversity, proclaiming the love of God to a world in need? What is more selfless than sacrificing comfort, convenience, and even safety to spread the hope of salvation? These modern-day disciples, driven by a deep love for humanity, do the greatest job in the world. They are the frontline workers of faith, the vanguard of hope, and the beacons of light in a world torn apart by darkness. Their work has eternal significance, shaping the destiny of souls for generations to come. Let...

This generation is exceptionally fortunate, blessed with an unprecedented level of God's mercy and patience. Despite our rampant blasphemy, rebellion, and evil deeds, Jesus Christ continues to intercede on our behalf, holding back the wrath of God. It's as if God's mercy is a mighty dam, holding back the torrent of His judgment, giving us space to repent and turn to Him. We are living in a time of unbridled wickedness, where evil is celebrated, and righteousness is mocked. Yet, God's patience endures, His mercy prevails, and His love persists. He sees the depths of our depravity, the magnitude of our sin, and still, He holds back His hand. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, stands before the throne of God, pleading our case, covering our shame, and bearing our guilt. His intercession is our only hope, our sole refuge from the storm of God's wrath. Compared to previous generations, we have been given an extraordinary opportunity to re...

The story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden marks the beginning of a downward spiral that has led humanity into a vortex of chaos, destruction, and unrelenting suffering. Their choice to succumb to Lucifer's temptation has had far-reaching consequences, unleashing a maelstrom of evil that has ravaged the world. The mistake of Adam and Eve was not just a simple error in judgment; it was a fundamental rejection of God's authority and wisdom. They chose to prioritize their own desires and ambitions over the clear instructions and warnings given to them. This act of defiance opened the floodgates to a deluge of sin, corruption, and violence that has engulfed humanity. Lucifer's pride and arrogance, which led him to rebel against God, set the stage for this catastrophe. His desire for power, control, and self-exaltation created a rift in the heavenly realm, leading to his expulsion and the corruption of humanity. Lucifer's malevolent influence has orch...

 Angels are said to roam the world, safeguarding God's people, but their presence is too awe-inspiring for human eyes. Instead, they manifest their duties through capable individuals. I've lived a life marked by struggles, mistakes, and difficulties, but God's mercy has been my constant refuge since childhood. As the only son on my father's side, my African culture expects me to shoulder the weight of family responsibilities . Witnessing my father's downfall was a painful experience that still resonates deeply. However, God's love has been my comfort, solace, and strength. My life took a surprising turn when I met Presly, a kind-hearted gentleman from the USA, on Facebook. Despite being strangers from different parts of the world, he trusted me with his kindness and generosity, becoming a listening ear when I needed it most. His financial support was an unexpected blessing from God, reminding me that I'm not alone. Presly's sudden appearance in my life i...

Once upon a time, there lived a man named Npotu who was consumed by pride and arrogance. He believed himself to be the wisest person in the village, superior to everyone else. Npotu refused to listen to others, convinced that he knew better. On the day of his daughter's introduction ceremony, disaster struck. As he was walking to the event, he was suddenly overcome with a running stomach and had to rush into the bushes to relieve himself. In his haste, some feces accidentally fell onto his trousers. Despite the efforts of others to discreetly inform him of his problem, Npotu refused to listen, believing himself to be too intelligent to be corrected by anyone. So, he continued on to the ceremony, unaware of the embarrassing stain on his trousers. As he mingled with the guests, people at the ceremony started noticing a bad smell and they all started to look around, trying to find the source. That's when they saw it: feces on Npotu's trousers! The room fell silent, and all eye...

The growing trend of mocking and belittling Christianity has become a deeply troubling situation, sparking widespread concern among believers and non-believers alike. It's astonishing to witness individuals fearlessly mocking God, who has brought comfort, hope, and guidance to millions of people around the world. Even though no one has ever seen God, people have the audacity to make insulting jokes and hold mocking ceremonies. This blatant disrespect towards a belief system that brings solace, purpose, and meaning to countless lives is not only disheartening but also highlights the need to construct boundaries for human rights. The pervasive nature of this trend raises important questions about democracy. While free speech is a fundamental right, it's crucial to exercise it responsibly and with consideration for others. Mocking and ridiculing Christianity, or any religion, not only inflicts emotional pain on the faithful but also erodes the fabric of our society. It undermines ...

Bobi Wine, a champion of the voiceless, has revolutionized the way society perceives those dubbed 'thugs.' His unwavering dedication to the marginalized has transformed countless lives, inspiring hope in the darkest of corners. Drug addicts, once written off by society, now see a beacon of light in Bobi Wine, proof that they too can overcome their struggles and lead meaningful lives. His impact extends far beyond the ghettos, inspiring a new generation of leaders who refuse to be confined by the shackles of oppression. Bobi Wine's rise to prominence is a testament to the power of authenticity, a reminder that true leadership comes from the heart, not from the depths of one's pocket. As Obama once said, "Yes We Can," Bobi Wine embodies that spirit, showing that even the most unlikely can achieve greatness. In a world where suits and ties often masquerade as leadership, Bobi Wine stands tall, a shining example of what it means to truly serve the people. His pres...

Long ago in Busoga, there lived a girl named Njabala. Her mother loved her so much that she did everything for her, including household chores. Njabala's daily routine consisted of eating, playing, and sleeping. Her mother catered to her every need until she became an adult. Unfortunately, Njabala's mother passed away, and she was married off to a farmer. However, Njabala didn't know how to cook or do household chores. Whenever her husband left for work, Njabala would call out to her late mother's ghost, singing, "Come, my mother, you who raised me with too much coddling." The ghost would appear and help Njabala with her tasks. The ghost would sing instructions, such as "Njabala, Njabala, you will make me known to your son-in-law. Women dig like this...Njabala, they cut the weeds and pull with the hoe." Njabala relied on her ghost mother's guidance for everything, even cooking. Her husband, unaware of the ghost's presence, was impressed with ...

Four men from a village - Khofi, Kwaame, Myaw, and Mululu - teamed up to venture into the forest to hunt down wild game. Those days, the drought was severe, and wild game was the only option for survival. After a long and arduous search, they finally came across a buffalo, very big, weighing hundreds of kilograms. Through teamwork, they brought it down and killed it. Indeed, the meat was just enough for the whole village. As they prepared to share the spoils, Khofi suggested, "Let's share 10kg each." But Mululu, the strongest, slapped him, saying, "Who taught you how to share?" Kwaame proposed, "Let's share 20kg each," but Mululu kicked him before he finished speaking. Myaw, fearful, surrendered the entire buffalo to Mululu, saying, "Mululu, the head is yours, the middle part is also yours, and the downer part is yours too." Mululu gloated, "You are the smartest man I've ever seen. Your way of sharing was just and truthful."...

Long ago, in a mythical time, babies could talk from birth. They could express their needs and thoughts with ease. However, they would also report everything they saw, without discretion. One day, a mother named Susan was preparing lunch by smoking meat. She left her baby there while she went to buy ingredients from the shop. Meanwhile, a neighbor sneaked in and stole a portion of the meat. When Susan returned, she noticed the missing meat and before she even asked, the baby blurted out the truth, exposing the neighbor's theft. "Mummy if you're wondering how the meat reduced, don't over think. The neighbor came and stole a third of it." The embarrassed neighbor, filled with shame and anger, cast a spell on all babies using dark magic. From that day forward, babies lost the ability to talk. The spell had a lasting impact, and babies have remained speechless from birth ever since.

Money, money - a seemingly innocuous entity, yet the root cause of the chaos that grips our world. On the surface, it's a harmless medium of exchange. But the relentless pursuit of it has unleashed a torrent of destructive behaviors, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation. People will stop at nothing to accumulate wealth, committing unspeakable acts that defy explanation. Murder, trafficking, immorality, environmental degradation, robbery, and theft - the list goes on. The desire for wealth has become an all-consuming fire that burns away empathy, compassion, and reason. As Lucky Dube so eloquently sang, we're indeed "living in a crazy world," where money reigns supreme. It's the unspoken ruler, the puppet master that pulls the strings from behind the scenes. Its influence is insidious, seeping into every aspect of our lives, dictating our actions, and shaping our decisions. The constitution of this shadowy ruler has only one law - "get me at all cost....

I'm consumed by a deep longing to go back in time, to 1997, when my path was still unfolding. The ache of unfulfilled dreams and unmet potential haunts me. My voice, a constant source of frustration, a reminder of my inadequacy. I've pleaded with a higher power, begging for answers, for a chance to understand where I went wrong. The silence is deafening. I'm trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, tormented by the what-ifs and maybes. Daydreams of a better life taunt me, a constant reminder of what could have been. The desire to be reborn, to start a new life again, is overwhelming. I yearn to erase the mistakes, to rewrite my story. The weight of my failures crushes me, the fear of being stuck in this darkness is forever suffocating. I'm lost in a sea of uncertainty, desperate for a lifeline. The whispers of self-doubt are relentless, a constant reminder of my inadequacy. I'm torn apart by the uncertainty, the not knowing what went wrong. The search for answers is exhaus...

George Santayana's famous quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," serves as a stark warning. In "The Life of Reason," he emphasized the importance of learning from history. Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are stark examples of the devastating consequences that follow when this wisdom is ignored - a fact that humans often ignore. Conflicts don't fall from the sky; they're fueled by a small group of people prioritizing their interests over the country's well-being. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, nicknamed by Winston Churchill in his book 'My African Journey' published in 1908, is heading down a dangerous path, similar to Sudan's descent into civil war. The denial of peaceful transition of power always leads to war, which spares no one. Are we willing to sacrifice our country for temporary power? History shows that even powerful nations fall victim to the uprising of the common people. Our leaders are...

 I dedicate this to Rihanna, because she's one of the few celebrities whose lifestyle and music actually make me understand that music is all about inspiring, entertaining, and motivating people. The song 'Lift Me Up' was just what I needed to keep myself trying again. Even though there's no one close to me to hold me and hug me, the song reminds me that my guardian angels always fill that space to hug me. The queen of Barbados sings songs that make me feel like everything is okay, even when nothing is okay. People who struggle have music as the only thing that tells them that everything is okay. And they always appreciate when someone famous comes down to say hello. When she came to Malawi on a program, she acted like a Malawian, and in India, even the common people had a selfie with her. All her songs are what we listen to when getting to work, even when our bosses rain insults on us. We know that we shall stand under Rihanna's umbrella, and the day will get done....

The joy of every child is to have a loving mother and father. Yet, lust, a fleeting pleasure, can shatter this joy, leaving a trail of destruction. As I walk through the streets, I see children searching for scraps, fighting to survive. Some become criminals, imprisoned by their circumstances, while others meet an untimely end. The harsh reality is that 99% of criminals torturing the peace and beauty of this world lacked the charity of a mother's love and a father's discipline. Lust, a temporary desire, leads to a lifetime of suffering. Unplanned children, rejected and abandoned, are forced to fend for themselves. Men and women, blinded by lustful desires, are responsible for the surge in street children and rising criminality. The consequences of lust are staggering. Why would murderers exist if children were given complete charity? How would they steal if they were planned for? How will they hate if they were given love? Note this; “the hate you give, is the hate you create...

 If given the chance to sit in God’s chair, would you grant humanity a second chance? Could you forgive our transgressions and choose to create a new world? Or would you curse human beings and walk away? This question resonates deeply, much like asking a mother whose son has chosen a path of terrorism if she would willingly bear another child. The pain of seeing our own flesh and blood rebel against us, rejecting the love and nurturing we’ve provided, is a sorrow almost too great to bear. In this world, the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper. The cry of the innocent goes unheard, and the beauty that once honored life is destroyed or being destroyed. It’s tempting to wonder what God thinks of us, how He views our rebellion and ingratitude. Have we become so entrenched in our sin that we’ve forced God to turn away from us? The thought is both haunting and sobering. As I ponder the state of humanity, I am met with a mix of emotions – sorrow, disappointment, and frustration. Des...

As children of this generation, we face unimaginable struggles in our pursuit of success. The harsh reality is that we must hustle relentlessly, often to the point of exhaustion, to turn our dreams into reality. We suffer in silence, as if we have no one to turn to, no family to support us. We toil tirelessly, our sweat and tears watering the soil of our dreams, yet the very people we trust to nurture our growth instead crush our spirits with empty promises. The pain of disappointment pierces our souls like a dagger, leaving scars that never fully heal. We’re told to “wait” and “have faith,” but the waiting game is a never-ending cycle of despair. I write from personal experience, having faced similar challenges. Writing brings me joy, but the obstacles I encounter make it difficult to pursue my passion. My ultimate dream is to work with renowned animation studios like Disney or DreamWorks, but this goal seems as elusive as climbing Mount Everest without support. Oh, the agony of watch...

As I sit down to write about Americana, I am overwhelmed with emotions. More than twenty years have passed since our paths first crossed, yet the lessons he taught me remain etched in my heart. Americana was more than a mentor; he was a guardian angel who appeared in my life when I needed guidance the most. His unwavering belief in me, his unrelenting support, and his unshakeable optimism helped shape me into the person I am today. Americana showed me that true strength lies not in wealth or status but in character, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. One of the most precious gifts Americana gave me was the understanding that life is about living for others. He instilled in me a sense of purpose, encouraging me to strive for a life that would make a difference in the world. My time with Americana was a blessing. He shared his life with me, answering my questions, and showing me the value of charity, love, and protection. He taught me that family is not just about blood ties ...

I am Waiswa, and I have come to realize that the ways of God are truly mysterious and awe-inspiring. His love is beyond human comprehension, and it's a love that has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. Growing up, I faced numerous setbacks and challenges that left me feeling lost and hopeless. But in those darkest of moments, God showed up in unexpected ways, revealing His love and grace through the kindness of strangers and the unexpected turn of events. One particular experience that stands out was when I found myself trapped in a debt cycle with no clear way out. The month of May was especially terrifying, as I frantically searched for a solution, traveling from city to city, seeking help from anyone who would listen. But every door I knocked on seemed to lead me towards a dead end. It was then, when all hope seemed lost, that God intervened in a miraculous way. Through a chance connection on social media, I met someone who would become an instrument of God...