If we want Ugandans to work for Uganda let’s ensure Uganda works for Ugandans

In late September 2005, the Government of Uganda entered into a contract with the Atlanta-based Cable News Network (CNN) to promote the country as a top tourist destination. Under the $1m deal, the Inside Africa show which ran on CNN every week would, for six months, carry the tagline, “Uganda: A Gift of Nature”.

The idea was that Americans and other CNN viewers around the world would be lured to see our excellent landscapes and wildlife and whatever else we have to offer and bring us their money. Despite questions then about who had brokered the deal and how much it was really…