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...