the Humanist view

“Why are you taking photos?” he asks.

This is the one I took before I was accosted:I wonder why it is not allowed to take a photo of this signpost. Could it be because the Contractor is “Hotel Zawadi Ltd,” or what?

Prior, a few steps near to the one of the Gene Bank, I had taken this one:

And prior, a short walking distance from the other two, I took this one:

What law have I broken? I answer.

I sense an Ateso accent.

In response, I ask him: “What law have I broken?”

My thoughts as I took the photos:

National Water and Sewerage Corporation, please style up. That signpost could do with a touch up.

And are you saying you are less concerned about that garbage pile in your neighborhood?

Your civic duty is clear. If it is not within your purview, you know who is responsible. Do something about it!

How is it a crime to take photos of things in the public domain?

The signposts are at the road side for all to see. The garbage is there in the middle for all to see.

Back to my aggressor in uniform:

I sense doubt on his face. He notes my ‘intelligent accent’ and diction. He looks at the wholeness of my body and my light brown skin complexion. He is no longer that sure, I sense.

I cease the chance and add:

“It is best you leave me alone, because you don’t know the kind of trouble you shall be in if you insist on intimidating me.”

I take a step forward and walk away from him, swinging my bottom to the left and to the right, enjoying my walk.

Flummoxed, but needs to save face among other men in uniform watching, he shouts:

“This time I have let you go, but if you continue and do it again, next time you will have it rough.”

I am not scared one bit, for I am an Atesot, of the fifth largest first nation of Uganda, Iteso. I know the mentality of our men when they wear a uniform.