What we’re capable of becoming; what inspires the marginalised.

While humans possess the capability to exert control over numerous aspects of their lives—there remain certain factors beyond their jurisdiction. The place of one's birth and the individuals with whom they share kinship represent a subset of elements impervious to human manipulation. But what happens when one finds a centric discovery from the same community and people?

From the country where I am born from (Uganda)—we have the youngest and most rapidly growing populations in the world, with 45.19% of the total population below the age of 15. Again, 41% of people in the country live in poverty where meeting basic needs and lifestyles seem lacking but again worrying.

Take a look at the most developed areas of Kampala like Muyenga, Mbuya, kololo, Bugolobi, Makindye, etc. All of which have slums in the neighborhoods. Who seems to worry what this means?  Largely—I think very few people are concerned including our leaders or if they’re truly concerned, then it is a later option but not the most serious social issue that deserves due and immediate action.

Does this mean that people who reside in developed areas work hard than the rest, are more innovative or their parents worked hard in 80’s and 90’s which made them superior than the rest? In this piece, we won’t focus most on the social dilemmas of poor urban planning and inequality but on what people who find themselves in the slums of Kamwokya, Mbuya, Bwaise, Katonga, and Kasokoso are capable of becoming and other slums neighbouring all those fancy places.

Yes, you will live in a better facility but you’ll have an untidy view which is both a social and security concern. Where do they draw motivation from? How do they challenge odds more than kids grown up in the so called ‘’Developed areas”.

To live better and share tables with the rest, they always plan. Without planning they cannot predict. To truly understand this—have a look at how they, produce music if they choose to become musicians, utilise their money after gathering hard-sweat pennies and how they build social cohesion and relationships.

Without predicting—they can’t identify cause and effect. Without identifying this, they also can’t identify consequences. All these are mostly human considerations but not everyone lends a minute of thought to either of these. But again, does it require suffering, homelessness, acute disease suffering and extreme poverty for an individual to develop such strengths and thoughts? Personally, I think it necessarily doesn’t have to be like that but there could be hidden motivation and strength as one admires what their superiors have and control.

The absence of human and social capital within communities does not solely impact those experiencing such disadvantages; it affects everyone. Any community that places a significant emphasis on economic disparities—resembling staunch capitalism, encounters difficulties in fostering diverse economic opportunities. To illustrate this, consider the prevalent unemployment rates within such communities. Even if you may have received a formal education and possess a certain degree of superiority over individuals residing in the aforementioned impoverished areas, you will encounter formidable challenges in securing employment.

Within our prevailing educational standards, you may excel in theoretical knowledge, particularly if you were an accomplished student in your academic pursuits. However, you are unlikely to measure up to the level of practical experience and expertise that young individuals from these disadvantaged areas have acquired through their early exposure to entrepreneurial endeavours with genuine effort and motivation.

Even if it’s not unemployment that affects all—how then will you handle health disparities and social disorder (crime rate). Will you exclude such people from intersecting with well-living people so as to stop spread of disease or you will block them from certain areas to reduce crime rates? I think all those are impossible—you will still end up in the same social places. Eventually some will come out successful and all ways, they will meet you somewhere and their kids will soon or later find themselves in the same school with yours.

Weak communities should never be mocked, segregated or blamed. Supporting and extending a hand of support to them instead reduces bitterness and unrest among the society. From Uganda’s ‘’Ghetto’’ populations—you can tell that these people are simply aware of the opportunity to improve their economic situation. See the multi-sector business ideas they have but simply lack capital, how hardworking they’re even for long hours, how talented even when their music is termed as ‘’Silly-Music’’ but with a very strong message of motivation and humour.

 

Derrick Ahabyona.

ahabyoneric@gmail.com | AhabyonaD@unaids.org

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