the Humanist view

I think that the bravest thing I have done when no one is watching, I assume no one is watching, is ghost writing for activism.

In some instances, I am paid to proffer fact-based and in-depth analysis on sensitive subjects.

Subjects, in some cases, many fear to share opinions about in fear of attracting the wrath of powerful state actors.

Contextualize within our part of the world, which is notoriously known for its writers, citizens, in exile.

Our homeland has earned significant notoriety for its treatment of those who put pen to paper. Or strike keyboards to produce timeless written pieces that speak truth to power.

Torture of writers has been known to happen in our part of the world; sometimes fetal. A writer condemned to death for what they wrote, whether it be fact or fiction.

I also bravely ghost-write about sensitive subjects, which may not attract the wrath of state actors, but potentially anger communities in which I belong and I identify:

• Iteso, my people, the fourth largest first nation of Uganda
• Women
• Academics
• Active citizens (politically engaged)

You catch my drift.

Call me a coward for being a ghost writer, but it is a huge risk that I take.

I do so, even though, I know for sure that bravery of writers is often overtly underrated. This can be deduced from pay negotiations and actual pay that writers in my part of the world receive.

Moreover, I must survive each assignment and not loose my mental health.

Internal battles that I have when I am writing are not to be underestimated. They take a toll on me each time; some more than others.

I necessarily must confront my inner doubts. I double check the text n-times and risk diluting it via self-censorship. I must ensure, though, that in the end the each piece shares the honest truth.

It is a raging battle, but for which I think I have perfected my endowment to handle. For my ghost-writing assignments, I have delivered and more often than not, the buyer has adopted and used my writing wholesale.

So, if you are in need of fact-based writing, on which ever issue, add me on your list of potential service providers.