Lt. Herbert Matanda Mabonga

His parents named Mbuuse Yokana, the world knew him as Kapere Lufotose and his friends called him Taata Twamp. He was a friend to many, a beautiful soul whose presence touched lives, and I have no doubt that he will be dearly missed. I’m one of the many who were fortunate enough to experience his friendship. He was a man who refused to be defined by his appearance, he let his sincerity, character and heart speak for him. And what a beautiful heart he had! What an interesting character! A loving husband who made his wife proud, a gifted artist who understood the power of his voice and chose to use it for the good of his country. Kapere lived a life of purpose, serving his country in the best way he knew how. He was a patriot, a gentleman, and a man whose infectious humour could light up even the saddest of moments. It is painful to accept that we will no longer have you amongst us to share those moments with you, my brother. But perhaps that is the price we pay for having known someone whose presence meant so much. To Maama Twamp and the children, may God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead. I pray that the beautiful memories you shared with him will become a source of strength whenever the pain of his absence becomes unbearable. You will not walk this difficult journey alone. Rest peacefully, my man. Your contribution will not be forgotten, and your spirit will live on in the lives you touched, including myself. Wumula mirembe, chali wange🫡

Yesterday at Princeton University, I had the honor of addressing some of the University's students and faculty about the place of Africa and Africans in the world, using Uganda as a case study. The overarching theme of my address, especially as Uganda just celebrated its 64th independence, was that Africa cannot be sovereign while Africans remain captive. It cannot be powerful while it's people remain powerless. Ugandans – Africans, really – MUST have a genuine opportunity to choose their leaders through credible democratic processes whose final outcome reflects their true will. Africans can’t truly exercise their sovereignty if they have no meaningful influence over the decisions that shape their life and future. But even beyond elections, Africans must still have the freedom to criticise their leaders and influence public decisions. Otherwise, democracy becomes a sham periodic exercise in which Africans temporarily participate in selecting their their next captors. Although Africa need not blindly imitate institutions of other societies without considering our own circumstances, it must develop democratic institutions that are legitimate and responsive to the people they serve. Africa must build States strong enough to govern effectively, but not so powerful that their own citizens become helpless before them. Those States, in turn, must then protect their sovereignty but without conveniently invoking it to insulate their ruling governments from being accountable to the citizens. Any legislation that African States enact to protect their sovereignty should be strictly tailored towards protecting the ability of their people to determine their own future without illegitimate foreign interference. It goes without saying that the rest of the world's interactions with Africa should ultimately be to support these objectives, otherwise Africans will keep bleeding on the rest of the world.

Very saddened to learn of the passing of our elderly comrade and friend, Mzee Saava George who has been sickly for some time. Mzee Saava has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith till the very end. He has been such an impassioned advocate for democracy and good governance. May his soul rest in peace.