About Me

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Welcome to my world. I'm Tricia Gloria Nabaye, on a mission to advocate for gender equality, human rights, and democratic governance through the lens of feminist intersectional practices. With nine years of experience, I've honed my skills to be a force for positive change. My strengths lie in problem-solving and effective cross-cultural collaboration, and I thrive in leadership roles. My analytical perspective ensures that my advocacy is data-driven and impactful. My primary focus is on feminist leadership consulting, where I provide valuable insight and guidance. I also offer rapporteur services, ensuring that essential discussions are documented and shared. As a feminist researcher, my deep commitment lies in addressing gender issues, empowering women and girls, and advancing public policy advocacy. I'm a visionary dedicated to shaping the future of advocacy with a strong focus on human rights. Join me in our journey to drive positive change. Together, we can build a world where gender equality and human rights are at the forefront, ensuring a more inclusive and just society for all.

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

ON THE 65TH GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE IVORY TOWER AND TRANSCRIPT HASSLE.

Recently, I have been going on through my head on how things really never change in some people. Some people just decide that change is not their kind of thing and you stop expecting anything different from them.

It goes without saying that that is bound to happen every once in a while. My journey through Makerere University has been a patchy one, I am set to graduate early next year, but with Makerere one's fears go even beyond the walls of the university.Now my new fear is in how long it will take to get my hard earned transcript. Will still be the ever longer process of "come back next week", "we are working on continuing students", "the officiating person is not here" Whatever it will be, I think the Ivory tower can do better than that.... if they can change, anyway.

My friend, I can't remember which one in particular, told me of his journey as a university student at a prestigious campus abroad.He did his bachelors and later had his masters still at that same university. It goes without saying that the dynamics of education are such that if a student graduates then they are legally looking for work given our Third world experience...Uganda in particular. But he had a job already and that was a bonus or a better standing for him. He speaks rather fondly of the aftermath of his studies in comparison to our very own Makerere University...one that has been ranked from time to time as the best University in Uganda.
He received his transcript just two weeks after his exams had been marked and delivered to the right office, something he is curious to indulge in.But what stood out was the ability for him to receive his transcript just in time, even before the graduation ceremony happened, and he did not have to run around with the officiating personnel to get it delivered to him.He rather had the officiating personnel call him to pick his already verified transcript.(I am still fascinated by how clean the process is and it is not even tiresome and frustrating )
Okay, to eyes that have not had such an an experience, my example from the overseas sounds far fetched. 

My cousin recently graduated from UCU (Uganda Christian University) in Mukono and had not more than two months of waiting for her exams to be marked and by graduation which was in the same year she finished school. But even still,she had her transcript provided on the day of graduation,verified and stamped and guess what? the testimonial was never even thought of.She graduated with honors and got her transcript provided with no hassle.

 Am greatly frustrated when I hear it mentioned that it is Makerere University's 65th graduation ceremony. And still after these so many years, new universities have a better way of sending off their scholars with no hassle than Makerere can deliver. I have six months of waiting around with a testimonial before I can actually get any meaningful work, just because I have to wait for a rather slow system to adjust to the ever changing world.
I have to go through many hours of time wasted, closed doors during working hours, arrogant workers, dead beat days when the secretary is the boss and cannot deliver still, maybe some more registrations to make, rainy days, sunny days before I get my transcript. Is it going to ever change? Maybe in my wildest dreams. Somethings never change, this is one of those things.
Welcome to the Ivory Tower!!!


Thursday, December 04, 2014

WHY I STILL THINK THE WORLD OF THEM LADIES

You know there is always a person you'll meet and they will take you on a ride of life for a very long while. You will look to them for a lot of things. Now, I have not been impressed lately to meet another soul that can impress me way out of my scope especially because I am terrible at speech but amazingly great at written expressions.
                                                                              
In my life time of not so many years, I have been to blessed to be graced by women who knowingly and unknowingly gave me spoken and unspoken wisdoms on life...they sure did leave a mark on me. I know I  have to make my own trail and walk by it but for the few years they graced my path they changed my out look on life for a  very long time.
Let me cut to the chase and give a little heaven praise to the women   that have made me exeptionally gratefully for what my life has turned out to be.

To my Mother... (RIP)my woman of courage who endured the life of raising her children with love and devotion. She might have left a long way before I got here but I continually thought of her as an angel watching over me and towering on my life just waiting for me to go on with life and find out what the journey has to offer. I still wonder what life would have been like if she were here but am equally blessed that I have also done the journey of life with very many women I could call mother any day.

To my literature teacher, Dinah Nalubega Kamengo, she probably doesn't know the power she had over me in the few years we got down to talk and study. You see, as much as life is lived in a lot of conversation, they must have been days that she just lived her life and I was blown away. Oh how we learn differently. To date, there is still something about that lady that keeps a fire of promise in my heart. Something tells me no matter where she is, I still do a lot of looking up to her than I can see my self. Thanks Mrs Kamengo, am still a student of yours, this time on life.

My ever amazing Mother duck... Maggie Ssebaale, I can't remember exactly when my big splendorous eyes got fixed on the charm that she was..but it must have been her detailed lessons on life and on the Word of God. She usually reminds me of the fact that we are students who are meant to also teach others true life wisdom. From the start, which I don't remember I knew I liked her and she was great company..oh the things I have learned in her presence..guess am a lucky duck!!!

My very own heart beat... My sister Lillian Nkaada, it must have been hard for her to be the strong one for two young people but she did just fine...looking back on the many times I broke down in defeat only to rise up again, I was looking at her for the strength...I am not sure I could have made it this far if it was not for her love and care every other time. She is my strong woman ever. I know of many times we have fought as siblings, loved as family and cried together  but every time when the day ends she is stronger than ever. She made me...I am because she is. You see, with her I see, a mother, a sister and life because she has been alll that and so much more. Words fail me when it comes to her. LOVE YOU DEAREST.

There have been many ladies of valor that have made me appreciate life and have left an impression on my view of life, hard work and struggle. They have moulded my confidence and attitude towards life. Some where there at a tender age and gave me foundations too deep to break, others have been there along the way silently teaching me what life is and not. I am still a student of life, and for a long time there are going to be many lessons to learn. But I am never going to forget the women, men, friends and family that taught me so well. For even in my mistakes..I have learned a lot.
Bless these women, hope you too have people to look back and thank God for placing them in your path.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

LIFE AND EVERYTHING ELSE

Some days are heavenly...perfect,
Then some stormy...almost dark,
Other days pure normal...just another day.
 
 
Today, Is one of those days
Stormy but with a  quiet to it
those little unspoken storms..
It will burst open soon but by then the day will be far spent.
 
 
And life goes on and everything else,
We see tomorrow and many futures.
I will ride through yet one of those days.
 
 
And then when everything is done,
After everything has happened...
I will do the only thing I have learnt to do...
I will follow the teachings of great men.
I will push forth, hold on and do it again.
 
 
Live through today and many tomorrows to come.
Still I rise

Thursday, November 06, 2014

THE UGANDA WE ALL WANT

 
We all desire for a better Uganda. A better education system, better health care system, a better road network and better leadership and a better tomorrow. Some hunger for it more than others while others wish they would just grab the opportunity to have a more than better society.
I'd also love a better Uganda, but while we look to a government to offer us solutions to the many questions that have left us discontent, I pray that we choose to find the solutions to our dismay within us. They always say" Be the change that you want to see" Be the doctor that loves saving lives, not just an ordinary doctor. Be the lawyer that loves justice not just an ordinary lawyer. Be the activists that would lobby other freedom not just ordinary activists. We are all capable of good and maybe as a community our strength lies not in our individual struggles but in our collective effort to better each other in one way or another.
As Ugandans, one thing that brings us down is our lack of community, the Ubuntu in us needs a little redemption for us to see to the bottom of our rather disheartening reality. If we are to move to better development and to a satisfying reality, we need to remember that the hope and the future of our nation lie with our hands. In tapping into our Ubuntu, we will deliver better education systems, better health care services and better people into our society. 
The sham and obsolete nature of what our Country has been turned into should push us to desire to cause change, we do not need guns and street riots to cause a wave of change. Regardless of the fact, that we could also be able to deliver change that way. I pray in due season we can look at the power the lies in finding strength in the numbers of our community. I am the change I need to see and as a development worker I will push for a better Uganda even to the end.
If we can all risk standing for the truth, maybe then many of us will search deep into our selves and find solace in reviving our system that has for so long been subjected to utter abuse. You do not have to join the army; all you have to do is find something that makes you come alive with a cause for a better society. Plants trees, build a well, Build a school and when you are done doing it all...do it all over again with a sense of ownership that this country is ours and not for any ruling leader. I am out here, writing because I know this is my voice added for a bigger cause.
 

 
 
 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

ON JOBS REJECTED,JOBS ACCEPTED AND NUGGETS OF WISDOM



 So I  have had an opportunity to turned down a job offer not that I didn't want it but because it was the right thing to do in that moment. Now, let me give untimely wisdom, something I have come to learn and accept.
A lot of opportunities are going to come and some, more juicy than anything you have ever known.Now it is going to be utter foolishness to swipe down a lot of them. But here are a few pointers to give you ground on how to go about some of these events. Especially,for recent graduates.

1.As a recent graduate, you are going to need enough facilitation to keep you going so save some money to get you through your job searching and Job days. When I went for an interview recently, I had only 5000shillings given to me by my best friend (bless her soul) but even still the circumstances where such that I had to figure out a way to get to her as soon as possible for her to get me that money on time. So save up especially for jobs that are far from your place or home.

2. In the event that you have not saved up at all(especially given our saving culture as Ugandans) like me, you then settle not for less but for a doable thing, search for job opportunities around your home area or nearest to your home town with a little income cost. I have been lucky to do my apprenticeship in an area very close to my home (Thank you Jenipher,I can brag about it now. ) The ease about it, is that you spend very little and yet you can be at work early. You get a bonus for coming to work early and you spend less on facilitation.

3.Volunteer, the good about it, is if you are volunteering, you choose the days to come, so you come on days that are favorable to your pocket. And believe me...there is joy in doing so.And for a start, be sure you will be facilitated once in a while. A lot of places offer lunch and transport to their volunteers.

4.On turning down a job,like I did must count for alot of reason, In my case, regardless of a salary or faciltation the truth is I was to spend more than I was earning, now that is bad business. Being just out of college,saving should be the biggest priority on your list. As much as opportunity strikes once, be sure that you don't want to work for nothing or spend more money than you earn.

5.Lastly, but not necessarily least, Trust your gut, a lot of times we don't trust our judgment of things(especially women when it comes to bad relationships that we just cannot leave) But your gut says a lot about how you will perceive the kind of work that you will be doing. So never sell your gut short. You will be fine ...and I know I will be fine as well. We all have some grace spelt out for us, as a matter of fact I am a m as I write this and I am a Marketing executive as I write this and it pays good money.
See you on my next experience and thought pattern. And go out there and make your experiences greater.

You are worth every opportunity that is worth while and you can be anything you put your hands on.
Good luck Graduate!!!


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

ON LOVED ONES GONE AND THE THINGS THEY TAUGHT ME.(RIP)

Now this is my 30th blogpost and I would love to dedicate it to people that have left us and gone to be with the Lord but in one way or the other shaped my journey and taught me a lot of things about my self both directly and indirectlty
 With great sorrow and love I have cherished the lessons of life these people have given me.May their memories live on through the years.I miss you but I know the Lord must have loved you to be by his side.
My friend and fighter,lover of life and sport.He brought millions joy and laughter and he taught me to love and live life.He was a jewel for many...learning to live without his charm is going to be the hardest thing because his memory is alive every single day.
He was a hero to many, a brother to most of us and a friend to all.He surely taught me not to be negative and to laugh my way through life.I MISS YOU BABZEE
Ruth Ndugga,My Grandma, She taught me the meaning of Forgiving and letting go.Life to her was all about loving and giving...even to the end she remained with her big giving heart.She taught me to put others before self. In her many lessons to me,she taught me to love the Lord(that is priceless) her love for the Lord was amazingly innate..she loved the Lord with a passion that rub off on everyone around her and she was interested in people.oh how she taught me the meaning of Love..it is selfless.I MISS YOU JAAJA (Aunt Ruth).

And then she happened!! Maya Angelou. Born 4th April same as me and a lover of life.She was the true definition of perseverance, patience and focus.How she held on, I barely could but her stories and love for poetry and writing is the reason I can share this piece of me with you.Her hope is the hope I have mastered today to keep going on in times when giving up looks better.Do I get days when I want to stop.(many of them)do I stop..No. Maya taught me that giving up is not a solution but rising up to remember the reason you started in the first place.
 She was a people person and understood the need to help the hurting hearts. I now know what others possibly go  through every single while. Maya taught me that. RIP MAYA.
Joan Rivers,looks like the last person to learn from huh?Well you are just about wrong.You see this Icon lived life so large with risks,danger and fun.She lived everyone's dreams as her own.And she taught me to laugh at everything including our selves.Those nights I was glued to the screen to watch Fashion Police.I was more excited to hear her speak and put a smile on my face.She sure did crack me open most of the time.She taught me that life is large."And once you die,its over...you are gone, so enjoy life now because once its over,its over" those words from her remain with me along this road called life.And then some day, once it will be over I will be thank you for these Souls that have taught me a lot about life in their own way.

This years has surely taken something from me but has also taught me a lot to help me go through the years to come.Its not over till God says so.As I celebrate these lives that have in special ways made me a better person.I pray that you find solace in knowing that you too have heard angels walk amongst you and these angels though human bring a comfort to our lives while we have them.The love and warmth of their hearts is what helps us cope along the way.
Rest In Peace dear ones.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

LIFE IN THE STREETS OF KAMPALA #UgBloggers7Days.

For no special reason this night was special, as I watched the crowd.
 Oh couldn't but stop and see the wealth of a nation...no, it was the cemetery...it was the life in the streets of Kampala.

DISCLAIMER: The people in this post are by no means a representation of Kampala as a city.
And there I was,for no special reason...noticing the things that have skipped my intuition for a long time.
The crowd full of dreams...some attained,some pending and some living with unfulfilled dreams.And all of us taking on this journey of life.
Men and women in no variance running through life.On this particular night...youthful people a little somber at the loss of a national AFCON qualifier game.It had to be tonight...The passion written on the jerseys they wore.The day had finally come to an end.
As I made my way...home these streets became so alive than ever before..why had I never seen this all?

The lame beggars...that brave the discomfort of the night on verandahs...I almost bumped into their wheel chairs..parked safely near their hard paper beds...the night has set in for them after a long day of begging on the very streets that provide the safety of the night.There, they lay having a rather shabby meal of snacks that do not guarantee their health to be wowing...I stop in my stares...and my mind ran to the most unlikely thought...they are brave men and women...life may have not smiled on them with fortune and their pain may have reached numbness but these people are in so many ways a blessing...if you stop and realize that you are just about grateful for that home you go to.They are preachers of hope and comfort...they are reminders to us that we are more than fortunate

Then my heart hears the screams of the street preacher...for some reason this night has more male preachers than the ladies... they probably have been out here since dawn and right there, in the heart of the city they proclaim the near judgement of my soul...my heart skips a beat knowing so well that their words reckon meaning to me...In every second that goes my heart is reminded...that anytime could be the final.
Overwhelmed I feel, but more concerned for the preacher that in his need to bring many to Christ his voice is lost in the crowd...The anguish on some faces is far piercing...the stories I eavesdrop on..to my suprise say little of the people I see...empty faces,smiley faces, a lot with indifference...just plain nothing to them.

And Alas!!!Vegetables fall!!! A lady...a street vendor running off with what's left of her merchandise and after her are well-built men in Yellow...it finally strikes home the KCCA officials are at it again.Night hunt downs for people selling vegetables on the "clean streets of Kampala"
As the street children rush to pick the oranges and other fruits that have fallen...my heart breaks for the vendor.Another loss,yet the day looks like it has come to an end...how will she retire today?Is there looming hope in such a business...does the later hold promise than the former?Even I can't give her the answer.
So I tread on to my destination-home and I carry the joy,the fears,the pain,the agony and the hope that is deeply rooted in the life that treads on the streets of Kampala...The night is far spent,Maybe tomorrow will be great day for the lame beggar...or for that fearless street preacher...or maybe the sales will be great for the Street vendor and the crowd might have some emotions to touch and feel.
Am just a passer-by but I live each moment as I go through the Streets of Kampala.

Friday, October 03, 2014

ON MBABAZI WOES,PAID WAGES AND WHY I THINK GOD IS A GENTLEMAN

I have been trying so hard to avoid putting my thoughts across on the Mbabazi demise but circumstance pushes me to the need to say something in light of the after month of his state. A lot of people have come out in admiration of the way the former Premier handled the situation and a lot of talk has been on how diplomatic and influential he handled the fall out.But yet again, my concern is with the level at which Ugandans forget so easily  the times the former premier and the  power source outplayed Ugandan intelligence and left us wondering if there was any level of love built in their beings.
You see, Mr Mbabazi is a very cunning man and us being Ugandan and so fragile with emotional genes we tend to be oriented in feeling the pain and hurt of others so easily.We forgive so easily even the atrocities done to the future of our Nation and to many generations to come.
Maybe it is time for the Premier to pay for the many corruption cases that went unheard or even defended,leaving a lot of us looking stupid in the face of evidence being availed as well.Am frustrated by the little things we overlook...I am excited for the future especially in the face of any revolutionary hint.Am hungry for change and for democracy and if that takes men so loyal to the power source coming down,am ready to see it happen.Too bad for the former Premier that in his need for some power he got his legs cut off,but good for me because one man is down and who knows how many will come down with him in the near future.One by one the mountain will burn and I will be a step close to seeing a new country. After all, it take destruction to have new growth...we need some of chairman Mao's constructive destruction one of these days.

In the due time,as  Mr Mbabazi is trying to find his salvation,I got a government salary for the very first time(I am meant to write about the experiences from the census one of these days) did I feel the fulfillment for the salary? probably not but I felt motivated to go over my next journey with a smile and with energy of a warrior.Perhaps God is a gentleman with no particular color!He has got me thinking of my life theme"If it is to be, it is up to me" but as much as it is up to me, it is as well up to God.Maybe God knows better and maybe his timing for the future is what we have to work with.And in due time,our effort along side God's direction  in our eventualities will probably not hurt our decisions.
May Mbabazi find solace in knowing that I am grateful that he got a piece of his own medicine and may Uganda see more confusion with in the head of house's camp just so the youth of the day may get the chance to their future that is NOW. And may many Ugandans join my jubilation in the near arrival of the freedom for the land.
I love my Country.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

ON SCHOLARSHIP FUSTRATIONS,UN PAID WAGES AND WHY I THINK GOD IS WHITE MAN

Before I head off the first thing I want to spell out is am not desperate neither am I complaining.
So the past few months have been tremendously humbling and yet again very teaching...I have learnt a lot in three months that I would have taken years to get a grasp on. Right after college I got a big chance to work with  one of the biggest organisation in town and for two months my internship was one great experience.Now in all sincerity I wanted so bad to be retained and work along side very interesting people in that organisation so I took on another month working along side them with a little gain at the end  that would have given me more momentum than anything else and boy did I ever get a thank you...ask me after the next experience in my ot so long work life.

So right after my never paid and never thank you's experience I embarked on yet another journey.I got a two months job as an enumerator in the National population census and every energy I put in my internship so did I put in this new job and my zeal to work well was so evident in my every move.It's coming close to a month after my contract and I have not for once seen a penny wired to my account as wage for my work done.Now in all sincerity I am frustrated but yet again motivated to keep going who knows these experiences may someday bring me something to remember and smile over.

Then recently, I embarked on  long journey to search for masters scholarship to venture into academics and grow my brain.Now if I could I could turn education into a career but to my demise I have greatly failed to find ground and forndation.Scholarships are hard to get especially for a lady down the sahara with little help but only from a phone.Am very fustrated alot of times in my search.How do others do it?How do other interns get retained and you get dropped?How do people get paid on all their jobs and you don't?How do others get scholarships and I don't?In my ever needed desire not to look at the people around me but motivation for tomorrow comes from around.

So to my not so grown intellect I have come to believe God is white! God is so white that development happened to be in white filled countries..so white that to be black to keep in the sun scorch struggle of everyday.He is white to the T. He maybe black somedays but surely not on days that I need a decent break.If in the near future something worth while happens not against my will but for it then I will remind you that God is so black.For now he is too white to understand my demise.(I am joking)

Friday, August 15, 2014

ON JOB INTERVIEWS, CENSUS BLUES AND UNTIMELY CRUSHES




JUST HOW I FEEL.
Yet another week that is full of many surprise and very many intriguing events..so I ended up in an interview for a job I don't remember applying for but yet again the amusement of going on yet another interview was very intriguing..so I went in for a very different interview and ended up with wrong information for the job but sometimes one has to do what one has to do,so I sat myself before a seemingly very late future boss and answered the questions that I was forwarded and walked away  not amused by the questions and much less the job...it felt like sand in my mouth-regret more than the prospect for a new job but yet again I was glad I went. I found my way home and it got me thinking about the other pending job response that I was so much waiting for,the census, not the part where I get all my house stuff counted but the part where I count the people..for a price as well. I sit back and think through the fact that in all ways I deserve this not so juicy job just to elevate my ever so bored me into work. But in the need to get myself a job my biggest problem was the money... God how hard you made it for man to get  decent cash in his pocket(problem is when you said man woman suffered as well) So I promised myself to walk down there just so I can cut on the cost..on the money I barely had in my pocket

Like as if my almost graduate troubles were not enough,I found myself caught up with a crush on a guy far to be my elder brother(well a lot of them usually are)but for a petitte me, that was very funny...now here is my problem,my brain was very busy looking at the things that matter and setting the pace for yet another venture when my heart decided to notice the little nice details that this  unaware Mr. Man sparked off.(the things that troubled my 21 year old brain)You see, he must be way up there in age yet not old to scare the naive liking me but in all truth the reason for the state of my heart was in the exposure and adventure that is so much entailed in his life..he makes anyone want to go out there and see more. Drama never ceases to walk down my path...yet am trying to get to heaven. Being in my shoes  is sometimes something I would want to advocate for but am a little terrified because I know someone else could get me in a much worse state than I get myself into very other day.

The journey has just began, for these many unending experiences of the true nature of life,who knows maybe the quiet life that I have for so long wanted may end up being not so much like a dream.Now am back to the point of nothing to lose, seeing the little details of life as they unfold and yes,life can be so interesting when you choose to view it objectively.Today,I tick off my calender another day and another week.It's finally over or not really over. I once again look forward to more interviews lined up on my schedule...more jobs that will take me a while to accept and many more crushes to come but am hoping that something permanent may walk down my way(am more than ripe for harvest). For now.
Stop reading...am frustrated by now, especially because this is the second time my work is getting lost...the things I go through.Tomorrow is is another day and I have to be at my best .I am growing and who knows when I look back a few years from now,this will be nothing!!!


Thursday, August 14, 2014

LIFE IN THE STREETS OF KABALAGALA


LIFE IN THE STREETS OF KABALAGALA

The streets of Kabalagala must have been pure and virgin some time back.Maybe many years back but today the solemn state of these streets has given me a melancholic experience and lessons that have enriched my outlook on the lives that people lead in my society.
Recently, I have been challenged to look more deeply at the life of the people in Kabalagala. I have had one rather unfortunate event happen to me on these streets, two days back I almost got knocked down by a motor bike..I walked away with a few leg bruises but not so scary to getting me running to the doctor and looking for help but it got me thinking of the life of the people that I live with and meet on a daily basis, what they have been doing and with a special interest I have become part of what they do.

You see, the world has branded these streets as "sin city" and maybe the "Vegas" we all long to be in. But I have a different tale and sharing it may be the only joy that I could give to that night worker that stages up in her little baby clothes as early as 7:00 pm  as she whispers her price levels to every other man that so cares to listen to her and maybe offer her business for the night..You see, she has a job in the day but with the peanuts collected, she hopes for a lump sum in the night after all musician sing about the money that is well spent in the night. And be not quick to judge, you see she is struggling to find meaning to life and maybe it is a phase in life or maybe not but the truth of the desperation I see in her eyes is in the need to find purpose and care but above all fulfillment and yes, she might be searching in the wrong places but that doesn't mean she is not trying. That "home wrecker" is on her way to recovery and to purpose, she may be lost somewhere in wrong decisions but hail her, for the Maya Angelou we celebrate today walked down that path.

And there is this mad man, not mad in the sense of crazy but mad enough to make his home on the streets. my favorite one, he made a home under this one tree, As I walk passed him with his half way consumed cigarette I hold my breath just so I might escape sharing his cigarette, he holds on to his trousers in the need to keep them up just so he is not embarrassed by the world embracing his nakedness, but unfortunately his state to the world is already embarrassing he has failed as a man and he is in the lazy bone category...and in the eyes of society "a failure to. the. bone." but in his eyes.in his sunken sorrow filled eyes he asks for understanding ,many times I walk passed him and something motherly within me screams to reach out...in his bad own way he is trying to reach out to the world  and hoping that he will be understood. That in his effort to try and make change in himself he is caught in the retrospect of the joy the cigarette and the tot-pack, that have for so long been his sole companions in the cold nights that mask the streets of Kabalagala.

 
My mornings are met by two interesting people, the club bodyguard who for courtesy of being nice always says good morning to me..Which I find so sweet, His case maybe the only one that doesn't in particular bring me tears because in his journey he has chosen to be the security others need. And as I walk down to my work place, I meet yet another bunch of good people trying to make a living..."the decent way" (someone might scream);they sell barbecue chicken and sausages, for no particular reason they caught my eye as I learnt their routine. Now, with the kind of business they do, they ought to sell everything before day break so that the morning finds them off to the market to buy new and fresh meat but what happens if the night doesn't offer what you expected to be the outcome and you are stuck with the meat from the previous night? And each morning these noble men of our country pack up the remains of their meat just so they don't lose out and bring it back for sell on the next evening for the totally drunk men that wish to have a fill before they head out and drink all the more. To many this is disgusting -a great awakening to the lose behavior of these men but hold it right there, you are going to condemn these men who for the love of a decent livelihood have been faced with a decision that sways them to one alternative..you either show up and sell your roasted meat or go home and die of abject poverty now I know integrity in all aspects should be adhered but am not going to be the judge of it for many things may have past my way that had my integrity levels questioned...even for you.

So these are the people I meet and will continually meet, now am no advocate for being scrupulous or lazy or any other sort of indecent life practice but I have seen what life could make us. And in my need to see a better place of our society I have learnt to appreciate the lives different people have gone through and maybe someday..I will be the change they have been searching for.


Tricia Gloria Nabaye.

 

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

THRIVING

In the midst of survival....stop
In the middle of strive.....thrive
In the  center of turmoil stop and search
you were made to thrive
to live and to love
to see the beauty of life.

In the chaos of life...freeze
and go back to the purpose
the purpose of your life
You have a reason....
and a cause to live for.

So stand in the moment
and hold on to life
and enjoy the journey it offers.
don't exist...you will need to live.
Hold on to the reason you wake up...
hold on to the little detail life offers...
Thrive.....live....each and everyday.
Thrive.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

HERE'S MY CASE:The politics of fear.

Over the years, I have been particularly intrigued by how rulers use fear to stay in power for long. I was keenly interested in the late Libya President,Muammar Gaddafi way of administration. He exceptionally used fear as a mode for leadership regardless of how Libya was provided for in terms of welfare. On the outlook, Libya was he Ideal state and not just in talk but in reality it was well planned for.But how about in governance and democracy?
Libya under Gaddafi's rule was a one -man show state and the president was holier than thou, he was the constitution, the legal system, the education for runner and the decision maker of the state in all aspects of leadership.It was that hard to see any alternative state to the mode of governance in Libya.
In the event that Libya was a democracy with free and fair elections, one would argue that it was a good nation regardless of whether there was change of leadership or not.That brings me to my ever so critical observation of the replica of such ruling in our very own motherland-Uganda.

Uganda's history is such that we have had  a history of 8 presidents and all have been succeeded through  a coup and military muscle and for the previous years elections in Uganda have been characteristic with a lot of grievances and complaints on how unfair they have been. As well there has been a rising concern for the use of fear to rule and keep the citizens of Uganda grounded in a regime that they do not accent to its leadership.
Recently, I was looking deeper in the cause of the Rwenzori killings and I was awestruck at militia and armed men with state of the art technology. Now, on the outset it looks extremely unlikely that we would be able to realise that the conflict is but a government strategy in their so many causes to use fear to keep Ugandans deeply rooted in fear of what will happen with this regime gone. Another incident that immediately came to my mind was the July 2010 bombings that were quick to be called terrorist attacks. And many other times that rumours of terrorists have been ployed over social media and other media houses to make belief that the level of concern for the almost waiting danger is more than we can bear.And this has left many Ugandans some what liberal with the atrocities that the regime has traversely been involved in.
And all this happens prior to the general elections of the country. Today between land evictions to stringent rules to govern the central business center, a lot of people have been left rather uncertain of what the future holds and even i the presence of fear and apathy, the regime promises no change in its rule or even in change of government.

Where do we stand in such rule, where democracy is but a far cry and all the more one thing that society searches for. In the event that leadership might see change of hands(which is our hope) we hope for a better leadership. Where leaders can stand against their governments that use fear and pain. Where the need for change is received with a change in leaderships instead of fronting one sole candidate.Where media houses are loyal to speaking the truth than being biased to brand political leaders as honest in the event that they fail.And in due time we will have a change in service and governance that can promise a better development and change in the status quo.
Where all citizens will be more than proud to be Ugandans and free citizens in their country.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

MOVING FORWARD

Now you stand at the cross roads of life,
Where do you go from this moment on,
To go back or to push forward,

Alas, the trials of tomorrow to relieve is to fail,
To move forward...is to dare
but better to make a new trail than to stay in one place,
Yesterday is unrepeatable,
Today is a hope for tomorrow's journey..
Go forward the future has a lot to give,

In the absence of sense may my voice be ever loud to you,
May the journey for tomorrow be ever worth while,
For Yesterday is gone,
Walk past the doubting mind,
And dare to go to the world that holds the future that you long for.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

SURVIVING LIFE AND UGANDA

I know it is one hell of a  title but am thinking of how to survive not just Uganda as a country but Uganda in the captions of the life styles,its people and attitude.It goes without saying that it is the people that make up a country just like nations make up the world.
Living in a country that has a history of many trying times, one could be forced into a mentality to take on the status quo and forget the struggle life puts before us in achieveing the dreams that are deep rooted in our hearts.
So I sat and wondered,what would it take to survive such a trend?
Survival, a lot of times sounds mediocre, up until you realize the odds are not in your favor and all you have to do is keep pushing on. I happened to have been raised in most of the circumstances that a girl child could go through,not that I have experienced the same things every Ugandan girl has had but enough to teach me these life survival skills as a Ugandan.

1. If it is to be... it is up to me(you),Whatever you set out to do and whatever you are going to achieve is up to me/you.It takes  a lot of gut to stand out of a crowd and have your way because by all means, you will be misunderstood or even worse get on the bad books of people that will make it hell for you to get there, But always remember, If it is to be...it is up to me/you.

2. Believe in your dreams, Lupita Nyo'ngo said it well,"Wherever you are,your dreams are valid" A lot of negative talk is going to be pushed in your way and such is life, but  the obstacles in the journey make it worth while in the end but one thing that is going to help you see tomorrow is if you hold your dreams dear and walk with them strapped to your heart each and everyday. The difference in your survival in the end is that while others gave up on theirs,you stood your ground and held on.

3.Its hard out here,but possible for you to survive, Don't be fooled into thinking that the bed of roses back home is what life offers you,especially you ,my friend, circumstances are such that you are going to have a hard time out here,mistakes and chaos will make it very trying but the secret lies in getting up and in moving on.You can do it and you can make it through, I have and am still on my way there.It surely has been hard but guess what, I would be nothing without those many experiences.

4.Have some higher power you can go to,Life has given us a lot of things that we can control and have power over. But the essence and value of our lives lies in the fact that we subscribe to a greater authority than who we are.Something you believe in, for in all areas of life, your success and ability to survive will greatly lie on the fact that you have some great authority you subscribe to.

5. You don't have to go through life alone, You just don't have to. As humans, we are societal beings and that by far makes us relational as well.You will need people who will help you along the way to be better and to learn, un-learn and re-learn many life lessons.These people will be from different walks of life but allow yourself to share in their many life experiences. They by far, make life's journey very easy.

So don't be afraid to do life, and be sure you can survive....am still learning and am surviving the chaos of life day by day.I have learnt how to deal with life challenges one step at a time.I will be happy to see you, go through life with the focus and determination that I am mastering as well.It takes a determined heart to go through life.I hope you find life interesting in the end.Enjoy your journey.

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

THE WONDERS OF MY COUNTRY

Its been a while but I thought hard to decide on what to write and alas! It dawned on me that there will always be a lot to write about if you get time to sit down and think.
Recently I happened to meet a lady.. a good lady fit to be my mother and her wisdom to me have sat e down here to pen all that am saying to you.
You see my country is also known as the Pearl Of Africa and it has it has a lot of beauties that go unmasked for the world to see.

So,this lady sat down with me on a hefty meal and we discuss the eventualities of how Uganda ended up where it is today when all her neighbors are by some mean pushing themselves out of dire poverty.As i went about saying all the ugly downsides of Uganda she told me of a story..a story that made me love my country better than I claimed I did.
She said,"Child I have traveled a lot of times, to many countries and I am baffled every time I come home at how much we hate our country as Ugandans...In the many countries I have been to people love their countries and are by far working with in the means of what has been provided to them by nature.
Israel happens to have green in its rocky climate using the soil they got from Uganda and they have bananas,she said in a rather excited disposition" She went to talk about how Egypt regardless of the their state right now had managed to drip irrigate all their plants just so they stay alive and as she went on I was amazed and in love with these countries especially because of the happiness they brought on her face at the memory of the things these countries disadvantaged in providence but maximizing their available resources to make sure that they survive and the beauty as they uniquely loved what they had.
then she came to a scene that displayed before her eyes on one night as she came with some delegates from out of Uganda and an outrageous scene unfolded before her very eyes, here in the car was an airport driver Ugandan by disposition and very much apathetic by what his country had to offer.From the airport to the hotel they stayed in for the night,the gentleman campaigned  Uganda in all its facets.He talked off the pot holes,the electricity black outs, the endless riots to the credit crunch that was in his pocket eating away his sanity to love his own country.
Where as I understand his pain, I was equally amazed by what we say in a short time that make us alien to the country that we should hold dear regardless of how things are.
Uganda may be going through a series of devastating times but that makes us even love our nation ore in the hope that we will save it from the many trying times that it is transitioning through and maybe in due season we may be able to deliver it from its many bad times.
So I set out to say something about my country that may speak life in the portrait set out there by that airport driver on that unfortunate night.
Uganda happens to be a young democracy on her way to development and it maybe a slow journey but it is sure set for some place.
we have emerging inventories that promise a great future ahead and the food is super amazing but in the many things I could say about Uganda I know one thing for sure,we have a great fear for the Lord and this has been one of the pillars of our foundations for a very long time.Come around and you will enjoy the beauties life here has to offer.
For God and my Country.

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