Today is Independence Day in Uganda. Celebrations here are much different than at home. No fireworks. No cookouts. There's a military parade at the military airstrip in town but that is about the extent of the festivities. Even that is not very exciting. It's mostly only the "Big" guys in the military and other important positions that go to listen to the president speak. Otherwise, most people just stay at home and use it as a day to catch up on rest and work around the house. A few, taking advantage of the day off from work, will go to visit friends. Those in the village will spend the day digging in the fields, much like any other day.
I will be spending the afternoon with some Eritrean friends. We'll be eating their traditional food and drinking coffee. It's sort of strange that I'll be celebrating with others who are not from here and eating food that is not native to here. Oh well, like everyone else, I'm taking advantage of the day off to catch up with friends.
On another note, I wonder if Uganda is truly independent. Yes, Uganda is no longer a colony of Britain and has its own government. But, Uganda is still so dependent on the outside world for many things such as food aid. Most of the aid doesn't come freely. It comes with its own price such as the government of Uganda having to do things as the aiding country wishes. So, is Uganda really independent or is it still indirectly a colony of the western world?
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