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OLD MAN'S CORNER
By F.D.R. Gureme |
Plight of poor in Naguru demolition
Nov 11 , 2003
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In As You Like It William Shakespeare writes: "Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head." The ungainly toad was believed to be poisonous, and to have a gem in its head. Conversely I observe, "Sour are the processes of development which, like King lion, savage and deadly, wears yet a glorious mane. Development wears a seemingly lovely mane on its arrival. Yet, as David Ouma correctly wrote in his Hello Mr President column on November 7, the "jewels" of present-day development invariably benefit the rich; worsening the station of the poor. The total rent paid for Naguru/Nakawa over the years will have bought the units many times over. If initially the properties had been sold to tenants, they should, at least, have obtained substantial compensation; and decently settled elsewhere. They are now evicted with inadequate notice and nominal compensation, in a "democratic" country with a representative parliament, which is all but the legislative minion of cabinet. A parliament, which, apart from its Speaker mumbling a few words, has uttered not a word on the issues. My heart bleeds for vendors and hawkers who, in practice have nowhere to operate. I love hawkers trudging the city and suburbs, carrying bulky wares on their backs and for miles in search of buyers. Guys desisting from stealing tyres off private cars. The crowds that laid siege to the gates of "Agoa" at the victimisation of the girls; portend the host of hungry people in town.
KCC's enforcement officers are legendary enemies of the urban poor; who cleared city bushes, only to lose their crops to enforcement officers for "unauthorised cultivation." Vendors have their wares confiscated, for the benefit of the enforcers. Retired Gordon Mwesigye may testify to the number of times I have identified thieving "enforcers" openly robbing female newsvendors of their wares, or extorted money from them, with a "last warning." I have been hosted at Naguru, and witnessed incidents: some providing memorable anecdotes. The Naguru social club's beer hall' doubled as a church on Sundays, after cleaning up traces of alcohol. One day a priest landed on his back as he administered the Eucharist, when he stepped on an empty beer bottle. About 1959 I bought a used Morris Minor saloon, and parked it near the Naguru shanty shared by my cousin and our nephew. The former had turned thief. I had intended to fill my tank at Iganga the next day on my way to Mbale. I had about Shs 50 in my pocket; which I guarded carefully. Quickly using the shower next day, I hung my pants behind the bedroom door. I dressed up and left. Stopping for a bite at Iganga, I felt in my pockets. My considerate cousin had spared some Shs 20 just enough for fuel. I sent her a telegram acknowledging her generous "gift." My friends, young lawyer Grace Ibingira and Mama Janet's brother Henry Keinerugaba (bless their souls), shared a Naguru nest, where they travelled by Grace's scooter. Turning off Jinja Road, there were sewage lagoons past which Henry felt uncomfortable. One day, as they turned the corner; Henry, having had enough, and holding his nose, politely asked Grace why he broke wind every time they turned this corner. Grace, laughing, explained that it was the sewage lagoons, not his bottom, to blame. At Mbarara High, River Rwizi was our bathroom and swimming pool, where we swam naked. Notably, most Bahororo had an "elephant trunk" between their legs. One of them returned with a degree from the University of Wales. My Naguru nephew offered him accommodation. At nature's call the guest visited the pit latrine whose hole was the shape and size of a brick. As he squatted, his elephant snout brushed the dirty floor. When he folded it he defecated on it. Silently gathering his bags, he left for town. Farewell Naguru. Contact: 077 401173 |
� 2003 The Monitor Publications
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