Anne Abaho, a lecturer of international relations and security at Nkumba University, has published an opinion piece in the Nile Post arguing that Ugandans often overlook the intrinsic value of their country while focusing on its developmental deficits. Writing from her perspective after visiting Berlin, Germany, Abaho suggests that experiencing a highly organized foreign environment can clarify the distinct advantages present in Uganda, particularly regarding climate, food, and social cohesion.
Abaho acknowledges that daily frustrations in Uganda are valid. She notes that conversations among Ugandans are frequently dominated by complaints about potholes, traffic congestion, dust, and poor public services. According to the Nile Post, she states that "These complaints are entirely justified," emphasizing that every citizen deserves reliable leadership, better healthcare, and quality education. However, she warns that this justified frustration can sometimes blind people to other aspects of national life that remain strong.
A central theme of her reflection is the contrast between Berlin’s rigid structure and Uganda’s social fabric. She describes Berlin as a city admired for its organization, public transport, and efficiency. In contrast, she characterizes life in Uganda as being centered on human relationships. She writes that there is a warmth in the Ugandan way of life that is difficult to quantify in economic statistics. While Berlin offers respect for personal space and privacy, Abaho argues that the comfort of belonging to a closely connected community is a significant, yet underappreciated, asset in Uganda.
The article also highlights environmental and agricultural differences. Abaho points out that Berlin’s weather can be unforgiving, with grey days and significant temperature drops requiring heavy clothing. She expresses appreciation for Uganda’s generally warm tropical climate, where sunshine is a daily feature. Regarding food, she notes that while supermarkets in Berlin are well-organized, shopping can be expensive. In Uganda, she observes an abundance of natural foods, including matooke, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables, which create a rich agricultural heritage, even if market access and income stability remain challenges for many households.
Abaho concludes that true patriotism does not require ignoring failures. She asserts that loving Uganda means demanding better roads, improved public services, and accountable governance. She argues that citizens should be able to celebrate the country’s natural beauty and social culture while simultaneously questioning poor decisions and contributing to solutions. The piece ends with the assertion that Uganda remains a beautiful country with enormous promise, despite its imperfections.