South Sudan at Heart

Can the ex- foes comfortably eat at the same table? By: Abraham Daljang Maker, Kampala Uganda. The former largest country in Africa split into two in few months a go. Sudan which was the continent’s giant nation had horrific war for more than two decades which resulted to the autonomy of the south. The two sister nations are still sharing most of the things in common, plus many other outstanding issues that remained unresolved. It is never easy for people who have just been exchanging blows to sit down and share the same table when the sweat of the fight they had is still visible on their foreheads. Sudan envies its neighbor due to its wealth. Meanwhile south Sudan is not happy because the tail of its wealth is still being held by Sudan. Although the two are trying to forge the relationships, it is very clear that their hearts are crying in the middle of smiles. There has been counter accusations between the two nations. Juba accuses Khartoum for constantly bombing its territory; also...

Excessive drinking is a threat to the development. By: Abraham Daljang Maker, Kampala Uganda. It is Christmas season and everyone is crazy to save money for this crucial season which everybody has been yearning for. To some people, they are saving money to buy new clothes and many other valuable items for the celebration. While others are struggling to make sure that they spend their money on bottles of beer, wine and many other types of hard drinks. In south Sudan, drinking has become fashion to everyone. Both young and adults are all alike. You realized this at the end of the month when civil servants have got their salaries, many people hang out in drinking joints to intoxicate their brains and later disturb their families at homes. The worse of it all is when children under 18 drink more than the elders. Despite the warning made by the brewery companies that “alcohol is not for sale to persons less than 18 years,” young people especially street children mostly 10 years and below...

How prepared are you for Christmas? By: Abraham Daljang Maker, Kampala Uganda. As Christmas is drawing nearer, everything is in the mood of this festive season. Moving around Kampala city, I can smell Christmas fever everywhere as it is evidence by decorative flowers in shops and supper markets. A sound of Christmas song is heard in every corner. Prices of basic commodities are skyrocketing and the money is flowing from the public to the few hands of business men who are using this particular period to maximize their profits and plan the New Year when things will be tough to everyone. Back to my small room at the university hostel where I am waiting for my intern slated for third January. I am reflecting on how I used to celebrate Christmas back in my small village Titagok. This is the period when I keep on nagging my mother to buy for me flip flops, small shorts and a T-shirt for Christmas. My mom could have no option other than making a local wine and sale it to buy for me these thin...

The enemies of peace in south Sudan By: Abraham Daljang Maker South Sudanese have been struggling for more than two decades to liberate themselves from slavery and oppression from the Arabs dominated north. The comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) which was signed in Kenya’s capital Nairobi brought a relative peace and tranquility in the region. There were two crucial events in south Sudan; The overwhelming vote for secession and the raised of the independence flag. These two events were widely believed to the end of fighting and suffering in the south. But little did we know that some few elements amongst us don’t really want stability and progress at all in south Sudan. On October 29, 2011, Sudan tribune published the announcement made by the south Sudan liberation movement /Army (SSLM/A) that they have captured Mayom town in unity state. We all know SPLM/A as the only movement that aimed at liberating us from the Arabs who treated us like second citizens in our own soil. So what is t...

Bad breath or halitosis causes public discomfort. By: Abraham Daljang Maker Bad breath is when a person has a bad smell which comes out of his/her mouth that makes people around feel uncomfortable as he/she speaks or breathes. You can not feel at ease if you sit next to a person with bad breath especially in public places like lecture room, public means of transport, drinking joints and in any other public gathering. Bad breath causes public nuisance and brings discomfort not only to the other people nearby you but also to you as a person who has bad breath. Halitosis is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, the bacteria build up on the small pieces of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smells. Certain foods, particularly ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs...

MY FIRST DAY EXPERIENCE IN UNIVERSITY I never thought or dreamed of going to the university, but when Jesus says yes, nobody can say no. As unique as I could imagine, that Sunday was just like any other day of the week. I took my place at the table at eight pm to enjoy kisira (Sudanese food). As I kept on eating, I would imagine the new life that lay a head of me. I remembered those stories from our high school teacher who told us how wonderful life is in the university. After short prayer, I retired into my bed with my eyes fixed on the ceiling. I was carried away in a fancy thoughts; I would see myself in a lecture room, ask some few questions and handle a camera; and make new friends. I longed to sleep but it was impossible because of excitement, the fact that I will not be under strict control and put on school uniform made me lost my sleep. I was like a bridegroom who will be with his bride the following morning in the church. 12 hours of the night were like 48 hours and I was ya...

Know when to say, sorry or thank you. Abraham Daljang Maker. Some people do not know how to express their apology when they hurt someone or show gratitude when they are helped. My friend Simon is not exception. He hardly says these words and in any case, he would say; “I like that fucking help of yours, or I will not do that bullshit to you again.” I sometimes wonder why he always uses vulgar words. Naturally, people brand him as a nuisance boy and look at him as an annoying dude who lacks courtesy. In fact, he swore never to appreciate or apologize to anyone no matter what happen. To some extend, his words would only fit in the contemporary slang which youths normally use in conversation, it is better to know who one is talking to in order to make choice of words, which is very important in communication skills. Informal language can be used when talking with your age mates but formality is very significant when speaking to elders. Knowing when to apologize or appreciate is worth tha...

Do not let your phone embarrasses you. Abraham Daljang Maker. Mobile phones are electronic gargets that are widely used for communication. Some people are phones addict in that, they hardly do without them. A small distance away from it is like having not seen your partner for years. Phones are good for easy communication; you can get in touch with your dear ones in far places. However, phones are also annoying when not properly used at a right time and in right places. I was attending a meeting with my colleague. As the meeting was intensifying and everybody was attentive; her phone rang at a deafening sound that almost shook the whole building. She stood up and hurriedly walked out to answer her phone call. Worst of it all, her high hill shoes also made noise as she dashed out. She came back and everyone in the hall turned to her direction with frowning face. She hanged her head in shame and sat motionless for the rest of the meeting, I patted her shoulder to assur...