UgandAshis 65 Access to knowledge in Uganda
Kampala, November 28, 2009
Picture yourself in the role as a lecturer of Public Health at Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal, Western Uganda. As a young and dynamic teacher you wish to present your students with cutting edge material (the latest online scientific publications), use of modern tools as Internet application (as for existence Global Position System for infectious disease outbreak control and study) and a fundament of knowledge (through open source, free access power point presentations, slide shows, photos and video material)
As you are new to the job and you are Ugandan you do not own a computer. To make matters even easier nor does the public health faculty (the one computer that was available crashed two months ago and was 8 years old at death). Then in the location where the main complex of buildings of the university are there is no Internet. Luckily you teach down town where there is connection however it is irregular and dial up width at best.
Added to your list of teaching requirements is a long distance learning course. Perhaps you can use pigeons to send materials. Given that Mountains of the Moon was founded as a community based college there is strong support from the local community. Perhaps in the near future more computers may be added as for now you are stuck however as your lectures are supposed to be power point based.
You sneak into the student computer science lab and prepare your lectures there. Your preparatory notes come from one of the 100 books that the faculty earns and even if the book is from 1970 books from that age are still valuable is it not. This weekend you decide to visit some relatives in Kampala.
One of them is an Internet techie who organizes an event called TEDxKLA. It is organized by the Ugandan Linux User Group and it is a catchy new way to do work shops on themes relating to the role of Internet in civil society (civil journalism, NGO’s) There you meet a senior educationalist who answers to your response that you are seeking lecturing materials for your students that he has a 500 GB hard disk full of public health lectures from prime institutions as John Hopkins, Tufts, Supercourse and Harvard.
His organization can even furbish you with a used laptop as that is what they do in their mission as a NGO. So you go to the bank take all your money, buy a 500 GB hard disk to plunge into a career that will be very promising. You see where there is a will there is a a way; Let’s roll.
You are enthralled by Supercourse; hundreds of powerpoint presentations on all possible topics in Public Health. For many of you in the USA or Europe this scenario may seem impossible yet often it works this way. Who would know of other methods to get open source freely available knowledge?
Namaskar,
Ashis
Saturday 28 November 2009
Sunday 22 November 2009
UgandAshis 64 Crowd control
UgandAshis 64 Crowd control
Kampala, November 21, 2009.
Our special guest were welcomed with a proper barbecue and a night out on the town.
Four students from the USA crashed over this weekend and in an attempt to show them a bit of Uganda’s notorious nightlife we took them to Harvester a beautifully located bar where a friend of mine organizes a form of talent festivals for the up and coming bands in Kampala. Yesterday we arrived and found ourselves to be one of the few spectators. It became pretty clear rapidly where the other party people were.
Next to the party was a huge wedding reception. Five tents and plenty of free food, drinks and a live band. Most of the revelers had snuck into the wedding reception. After all who can resist a mountain of meat, bladders of booze and a boisterous band. We on the other hand were entertained by a group of acrobats and fire spitters followed by dancers and the top of the line Uganda hippie-di-hop.
To regroup and make up our mind where to go we stopped over at my favorite hang out in Kampala; the Flaming Chicken. Smoking a sheesha and nibbling away at ice creams we decided to go dancing in the fashionable club Silk. A multi layered, 3 dj’d, 2 bars and 2 dance levels for the who is who of Kampala. A bush taxi was high jacked and off we went with Amir.
Amir and I love to dance like there is no tomorrow. As we bumped and grinded the dance floor it was clear where the fun could be found. An hour or what later and Nick joined us for a bit and then he took us down to where there are the massage chairs, aquarium, fancy bar and ultra chic people. Rubbing shoulders with local artistes comes easy. After exhausting the dance floor we decided to call it a night. A taxi was duly found and we aimed for home to be intercepted by a police control. There it became clear that our driver had no driver license. We walked for a bit an then found 5 boda bodas to drop us home.
And so today can be described as a day with a massive success. Well not really sure; we now have satellite television and Internet connection. Yes both in one day a minor miracle or rather two in one day. A long dreamt of proper connection to the world may finally be found in the house. No more crying over the mediocrity of the Internet connection. Posted videos and down loaded lectures galore. The Mac is humming in my lap. Ready to take on the world. Perhaps we will need some crowd control for both television and Internet.
Both are really tempting yet nothing beats reading and writing (at least for me). With those thoughts I shall leave you. Please write whatever questions you may have. I will try and answer.
Namaskar,
Ashis Brahma
Kampala, November 21, 2009.
Our special guest were welcomed with a proper barbecue and a night out on the town.
Four students from the USA crashed over this weekend and in an attempt to show them a bit of Uganda’s notorious nightlife we took them to Harvester a beautifully located bar where a friend of mine organizes a form of talent festivals for the up and coming bands in Kampala. Yesterday we arrived and found ourselves to be one of the few spectators. It became pretty clear rapidly where the other party people were.
Next to the party was a huge wedding reception. Five tents and plenty of free food, drinks and a live band. Most of the revelers had snuck into the wedding reception. After all who can resist a mountain of meat, bladders of booze and a boisterous band. We on the other hand were entertained by a group of acrobats and fire spitters followed by dancers and the top of the line Uganda hippie-di-hop.
To regroup and make up our mind where to go we stopped over at my favorite hang out in Kampala; the Flaming Chicken. Smoking a sheesha and nibbling away at ice creams we decided to go dancing in the fashionable club Silk. A multi layered, 3 dj’d, 2 bars and 2 dance levels for the who is who of Kampala. A bush taxi was high jacked and off we went with Amir.
Amir and I love to dance like there is no tomorrow. As we bumped and grinded the dance floor it was clear where the fun could be found. An hour or what later and Nick joined us for a bit and then he took us down to where there are the massage chairs, aquarium, fancy bar and ultra chic people. Rubbing shoulders with local artistes comes easy. After exhausting the dance floor we decided to call it a night. A taxi was duly found and we aimed for home to be intercepted by a police control. There it became clear that our driver had no driver license. We walked for a bit an then found 5 boda bodas to drop us home.
And so today can be described as a day with a massive success. Well not really sure; we now have satellite television and Internet connection. Yes both in one day a minor miracle or rather two in one day. A long dreamt of proper connection to the world may finally be found in the house. No more crying over the mediocrity of the Internet connection. Posted videos and down loaded lectures galore. The Mac is humming in my lap. Ready to take on the world. Perhaps we will need some crowd control for both television and Internet.
Both are really tempting yet nothing beats reading and writing (at least for me). With those thoughts I shall leave you. Please write whatever questions you may have. I will try and answer.
Namaskar,
Ashis Brahma
UgandAshis 63 Internet glory
UgandAshis 63 Internet glory
Kampala, November 19, 2009.
Yesterday I whirled my way downtown on a boda boda in search for the Holy Grail. In this end of the world that may be something as attainable in the West as a proper Internet connection. One that allows you to upload videos and talk to friends around the world through Skype, Yahoo messengers or other VOIP settings. Finally after five months of UTL disaster, hours spent on a toll free number with the help desk discussing the possible reasons why 1 kb/s was the best I could get, cajoling, pleading, threatening, losing temper, sweet talking something broke.
UTL and I are officially no longer a hot item - history done deal - over - done - bla bla. So Mahdad and I ended up dodging rain on this quest for glory. And yesterday yes yesterday somebody ended up buying the last modem in Kampala in front of my eyes. All for the better because a small splurge on my side later I was informed that a broad band was within target and will lead to an increased way of speaking with friends all over the world. Destiny or not I am happily awaiting the arrival tomorrow of this super fresh and fast connection.
Mahdad followed the flow of the moment and did the wild thing: he bought a beaming Toshiba lap top. And I well I already have the pleasure of tapping away on a Mac. So why all this materialistic babble today. Mmm, just excited to be using this cyber opportunities to start posting podcast, vodcast to the wider world. Finally I hope to launch a proper website talking and telling about this majestic country called Uganda. There is so much to tell and show.
The first idea I have is to shoot a mini video on one of the major issues in Uganda. The lack of access to the health care system for the average person here. However despite meagre funds what amazes me most is something much more positive. Let me give an example. Three hundred thousand people in this country require anti retro viral drugs and over hundred and fifty thousand are receiving it. One can say the cup is half empty one can see the class half full. If you take in to consideration the limited resources it is a great feat. The average person here has to deal with the reality of having one doctor per 15.000 people and most of them are stationed in Kampala.
Time to pick up my HD flip cam go out there and interview people around the country. Patients, nurses, midwives and doctors. To see what their perspective is on what is going on in Uganda.
Yes we can share and see that perspective. One of the things that Africa can overcome is the digital divide. The different under water cables will make the difference. No truck crunching the optic fibre cables can stop that. Hope to hear from you.
Namaskar,
Ashis Brahma
Kampala, November 19, 2009.
Yesterday I whirled my way downtown on a boda boda in search for the Holy Grail. In this end of the world that may be something as attainable in the West as a proper Internet connection. One that allows you to upload videos and talk to friends around the world through Skype, Yahoo messengers or other VOIP settings. Finally after five months of UTL disaster, hours spent on a toll free number with the help desk discussing the possible reasons why 1 kb/s was the best I could get, cajoling, pleading, threatening, losing temper, sweet talking something broke.
UTL and I are officially no longer a hot item - history done deal - over - done - bla bla. So Mahdad and I ended up dodging rain on this quest for glory. And yesterday yes yesterday somebody ended up buying the last modem in Kampala in front of my eyes. All for the better because a small splurge on my side later I was informed that a broad band was within target and will lead to an increased way of speaking with friends all over the world. Destiny or not I am happily awaiting the arrival tomorrow of this super fresh and fast connection.
Mahdad followed the flow of the moment and did the wild thing: he bought a beaming Toshiba lap top. And I well I already have the pleasure of tapping away on a Mac. So why all this materialistic babble today. Mmm, just excited to be using this cyber opportunities to start posting podcast, vodcast to the wider world. Finally I hope to launch a proper website talking and telling about this majestic country called Uganda. There is so much to tell and show.
The first idea I have is to shoot a mini video on one of the major issues in Uganda. The lack of access to the health care system for the average person here. However despite meagre funds what amazes me most is something much more positive. Let me give an example. Three hundred thousand people in this country require anti retro viral drugs and over hundred and fifty thousand are receiving it. One can say the cup is half empty one can see the class half full. If you take in to consideration the limited resources it is a great feat. The average person here has to deal with the reality of having one doctor per 15.000 people and most of them are stationed in Kampala.
Time to pick up my HD flip cam go out there and interview people around the country. Patients, nurses, midwives and doctors. To see what their perspective is on what is going on in Uganda.
Yes we can share and see that perspective. One of the things that Africa can overcome is the digital divide. The different under water cables will make the difference. No truck crunching the optic fibre cables can stop that. Hope to hear from you.
Namaskar,
Ashis Brahma
Sunday 15 November 2009
UgandAshis 62 A wedding reception
UgandAshis 62 A wedding reception
Kampala, October 16, 2009
Yesterday I spent a greater part of the afternoon in a state of confusion. It does not help if you are invited to a wedding reception and you are the only person present who does not understand the spoken languages; Muyankole and Muganda. Yet in way weddings are the same all over the world. Two families that are beaming with pride over their relative his/her joy. Colleagues that happily gather to watch the feast, food and dance unfold.
As many of the Ugandans this couple is Christian and the groom’s side is saved (by Jesus). Hundreds of people gathered in a hotel called Mulvin in Matete (the neighborhood close to Buganda heartland and near the place the police station was burned only 2 months ago).
Being invited by the bride’s family we were placed near to the very extended family of the bride. Again it is remarkable to see how the rituals and symbolisms of Western marriage blend in with Ugandan tradition. We had the proud relatives who speech until most people in the audience have fallen asleep, the aunt that leads the crowd on to the dance floor, the introduction of the families to one and other; takes a while considering Ugandan families have 6.9 children on average and the older generations up to 14 or even more children.
The Buganda people dance while gyrating their bums in a fast rhythm lead by xylophone and drums in abundance as their backs are covered in feathers of chicken to accentuate the shaking. The previous ceremony had been in Mbarara where they tend to dance with their arms in the air and with nimble steps.
The most touching speech in my mind came from a Muyankole man who in his early 60’s had never visited Kampala. To him it equaled a visit to London or New York. The world of people can indeed be in a radius of 50 or 100 kilometer.
Food at a Buganda wedding consists of brown and white rice, yam, sweet potato, Irish potato, pumpkin, chicken, fish, g nut sauce, vegetables, spinach, watermelon, pineapple and more.
What I noticed about the ceremony is that the format was very formal and that the master of ceremony had a hard time keeping time. Then again what is time in this setting? It is much more important to have the linked families have opportunities to get to know each other.
In the tradition of the Buganda a woman greets her husband on her knees on the floor and given that the bride is from another people (Muyankole) it was a first for her. Feeding her husband cake and letting him drink from a cup in her hands.
The groom was sent to the bride’s side to serve the cake and it ended being the treat of the reception as I managed to get hold of the icing of the cake and savored it then left missing out on likely the biggest dance party.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Kampala, October 16, 2009
Yesterday I spent a greater part of the afternoon in a state of confusion. It does not help if you are invited to a wedding reception and you are the only person present who does not understand the spoken languages; Muyankole and Muganda. Yet in way weddings are the same all over the world. Two families that are beaming with pride over their relative his/her joy. Colleagues that happily gather to watch the feast, food and dance unfold.
As many of the Ugandans this couple is Christian and the groom’s side is saved (by Jesus). Hundreds of people gathered in a hotel called Mulvin in Matete (the neighborhood close to Buganda heartland and near the place the police station was burned only 2 months ago).
Being invited by the bride’s family we were placed near to the very extended family of the bride. Again it is remarkable to see how the rituals and symbolisms of Western marriage blend in with Ugandan tradition. We had the proud relatives who speech until most people in the audience have fallen asleep, the aunt that leads the crowd on to the dance floor, the introduction of the families to one and other; takes a while considering Ugandan families have 6.9 children on average and the older generations up to 14 or even more children.
The Buganda people dance while gyrating their bums in a fast rhythm lead by xylophone and drums in abundance as their backs are covered in feathers of chicken to accentuate the shaking. The previous ceremony had been in Mbarara where they tend to dance with their arms in the air and with nimble steps.
The most touching speech in my mind came from a Muyankole man who in his early 60’s had never visited Kampala. To him it equaled a visit to London or New York. The world of people can indeed be in a radius of 50 or 100 kilometer.
Food at a Buganda wedding consists of brown and white rice, yam, sweet potato, Irish potato, pumpkin, chicken, fish, g nut sauce, vegetables, spinach, watermelon, pineapple and more.
What I noticed about the ceremony is that the format was very formal and that the master of ceremony had a hard time keeping time. Then again what is time in this setting? It is much more important to have the linked families have opportunities to get to know each other.
In the tradition of the Buganda a woman greets her husband on her knees on the floor and given that the bride is from another people (Muyankole) it was a first for her. Feeding her husband cake and letting him drink from a cup in her hands.
The groom was sent to the bride’s side to serve the cake and it ended being the treat of the reception as I managed to get hold of the icing of the cake and savored it then left missing out on likely the biggest dance party.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Saturday 14 November 2009
UgandAshis 61 on Uganda
UgandAshis 61 On Uganda
Kampala, November 2009
On Uganda.
The greater part of this tour of the USA was focused on Darfur and yet increasingly there is time, space and a place to talk about the current issues of Uganda. The trip led to the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, Idaho, Kentucky, Texas, California and New York State. Over the last 3 years and 5 visits to the USA slowly there has been an expansion of themes on which I speak. Shifting from Darfur and the plight of the Darfuri’s; their resilience, humor and dignity to that AND medical presentations, Phoenix Global Humanitarian Foundation, the book Utmost, volunteering in Uganda and Oneness.
Let me give you some examples of people of all ages who wish to visit and support the vision of PGHF. In San Antonio two groups are interested in coming to visit. One group of medical students is interested in doing a month rotation in either the first or the fourth year. One student is even contemplating to stay for several months and she shares the same passion I have for developing of platforms for online teaching and knowledge exchange. The other group is from the Incarnate Word University and I am curious to hear what they would like to do; I know that they have projects in Gulu.
In Boise, Idaho two registered nurses, one with a flying license are eager to come over and help out in a clinic. In Minneapolis a friend is coming back to Uganda to start her research for a doctorate in Public Health Nursing and another friend wants to visit Africa for the first time.
Everywhere I go I invite people to come to Uganda. It is very easy to judge a country or a whole continent from afar and I realize from people that have come that their perspective of medicine and/or of Africa has changed radically. A Dutch surgeon in training called me yesterday. He stayed with me for 6 weeks and his girlfriend came as well for a 2 week holiday. As we often discussed; all is possible in Africa, things that you expect to be easy are near impossible while the impossible can be a piece of cake. Coming feeling, smelling, touching and being in Africa will make an impact on all.
There are those who end up not liking Africa: flies, poverty, corruption, cheating, dirt, war, violence and passivity are their mind images of the continent. All of the above are present here yet there is also: spiritual wealth, honesty, friendship, nature, peace, brotherhood and a dynamic society. The question is always is the cup half full or half empty; both indeed! You see what you want to see.
Friends young and wise will come and visit over the next months; let them form an opinion of a nook of Africa, being Uganda. In my mind they are the bridge builders that will make the world a true global village. Strangers become acquaintances leading to friendship and then a global family.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Kampala, November 2009
On Uganda.
The greater part of this tour of the USA was focused on Darfur and yet increasingly there is time, space and a place to talk about the current issues of Uganda. The trip led to the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, Idaho, Kentucky, Texas, California and New York State. Over the last 3 years and 5 visits to the USA slowly there has been an expansion of themes on which I speak. Shifting from Darfur and the plight of the Darfuri’s; their resilience, humor and dignity to that AND medical presentations, Phoenix Global Humanitarian Foundation, the book Utmost, volunteering in Uganda and Oneness.
Let me give you some examples of people of all ages who wish to visit and support the vision of PGHF. In San Antonio two groups are interested in coming to visit. One group of medical students is interested in doing a month rotation in either the first or the fourth year. One student is even contemplating to stay for several months and she shares the same passion I have for developing of platforms for online teaching and knowledge exchange. The other group is from the Incarnate Word University and I am curious to hear what they would like to do; I know that they have projects in Gulu.
In Boise, Idaho two registered nurses, one with a flying license are eager to come over and help out in a clinic. In Minneapolis a friend is coming back to Uganda to start her research for a doctorate in Public Health Nursing and another friend wants to visit Africa for the first time.
Everywhere I go I invite people to come to Uganda. It is very easy to judge a country or a whole continent from afar and I realize from people that have come that their perspective of medicine and/or of Africa has changed radically. A Dutch surgeon in training called me yesterday. He stayed with me for 6 weeks and his girlfriend came as well for a 2 week holiday. As we often discussed; all is possible in Africa, things that you expect to be easy are near impossible while the impossible can be a piece of cake. Coming feeling, smelling, touching and being in Africa will make an impact on all.
There are those who end up not liking Africa: flies, poverty, corruption, cheating, dirt, war, violence and passivity are their mind images of the continent. All of the above are present here yet there is also: spiritual wealth, honesty, friendship, nature, peace, brotherhood and a dynamic society. The question is always is the cup half full or half empty; both indeed! You see what you want to see.
Friends young and wise will come and visit over the next months; let them form an opinion of a nook of Africa, being Uganda. In my mind they are the bridge builders that will make the world a true global village. Strangers become acquaintances leading to friendship and then a global family.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Tuesday 10 November 2009
UgandAshis 60: Home again
UgandAshis 60: Home again.
Bruno and Yogi my German/Belgian shepherds are roaming through the garden and digging holes. What happened in my absence in the house well Bruno got wounded by a slashing machete and 3 weeks later still has a gaping bone deep wound on his leg. Snakes seem to love it here to. Two cobra's showed up and are no longer with us. Black kite did not take care of it this time but our guard Kenneth did.
Uganda seems to have cooled a bit after the riots in Kampala over a month ago. Yet it is clear that the Buganda are very unhappy with the treatment of their king (kabaka) by the president of the republic. And nothing has changed; from the moment of entry I tourist visum was issued despite my papers for a working visa. Now we have to foolow the line (big fish) to correct that status quo.
It may have been nice of me to have bought a SNow Leopard run Macbook Pro. The problem is the software of the telephone company does not support my sweet Mac. Frustrating and at the same time it may lead in to applying for a proper broad band connection. At the end of the day it is impossible to use Skype here for talking online.
There is some other hardware that will be instrumental: a HD Flipcamera and perhaps, if I find an affordable one a projector. All these goodies may seem slightly expensive and the whole isea is to run several programs from the beginning for 2010:
1. TEDx conference
2. Mini documentary on You tube on HIV/AIDS
3. A mobile health clinic in Bundibuyo
Let us pray for money. Number 1 and 2 are affordable and it seems proposal 3 may get axed. My friends have been around and to qoute Romeo Dallaire: 'Where there is a will there is a way. Let us roll.
And about the past tour of the USA you can read the next post.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Bruno and Yogi my German/Belgian shepherds are roaming through the garden and digging holes. What happened in my absence in the house well Bruno got wounded by a slashing machete and 3 weeks later still has a gaping bone deep wound on his leg. Snakes seem to love it here to. Two cobra's showed up and are no longer with us. Black kite did not take care of it this time but our guard Kenneth did.
Uganda seems to have cooled a bit after the riots in Kampala over a month ago. Yet it is clear that the Buganda are very unhappy with the treatment of their king (kabaka) by the president of the republic. And nothing has changed; from the moment of entry I tourist visum was issued despite my papers for a working visa. Now we have to foolow the line (big fish) to correct that status quo.
It may have been nice of me to have bought a SNow Leopard run Macbook Pro. The problem is the software of the telephone company does not support my sweet Mac. Frustrating and at the same time it may lead in to applying for a proper broad band connection. At the end of the day it is impossible to use Skype here for talking online.
There is some other hardware that will be instrumental: a HD Flipcamera and perhaps, if I find an affordable one a projector. All these goodies may seem slightly expensive and the whole isea is to run several programs from the beginning for 2010:
1. TEDx conference
2. Mini documentary on You tube on HIV/AIDS
3. A mobile health clinic in Bundibuyo
Let us pray for money. Number 1 and 2 are affordable and it seems proposal 3 may get axed. My friends have been around and to qoute Romeo Dallaire: 'Where there is a will there is a way. Let us roll.
And about the past tour of the USA you can read the next post.
Namaskar,
Ashis
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