That same evening, I heard for the first time, Idi Amin on the radio and I was pleasantly surprised that I spoke better English than the President. Having grown up and lived in a peaceful country, I didn’t quite understand the implication of the change at the top. In any case nothing had changed in the school at all. The following Monday, however, Father Cona the headmaster, in a special assembly and in a sombre mood surprised all of us. “Thank you everyone for coming for this special assembly. You have all heard that the government of Milton Obote has been overthrown by General Amin. We have therefore a new government in Uganda right now. As to what form it will take, it is too early to speculate. I very much hope that the new government carries on the good work started by the former government to sustain an environment where expatriates are not only welcome, but feel at home”. He turned around to look at the grimed faced white teachers assembled behind him. The other African Teachers, outnumbered, did not show any sign of emotion either. Father Cona continued, “My message to you is that there is nothing to worry about and this point in time. We are going to do everything possible to make you succeed in your studies. You all have potentials. And as long as I am still the headmaster of this great school, I will do all I can to make your stay here a memorable one”. We all shifted nervously and breathed sigh of relief. “One other thing” Father Cona continued, “the effect of the coup is such that the supply chain has been interrupted. We are running low on some supplies and so from next Monday, there will be no bread for breakfast”. There was then a mummer as the students tried to absorb the shock of what they have been told. Father Cona put his hand and waved to students to keep quiet and continued, “I have talked to local suppliers who will be supplying us cassava for breakfast” The announcement of Cassava for breakfast was shocking and Father Cona was quiet for a few seconds to let it sink in before continuing, “This is only a temporary measure and we will go back to bread as soon as the situation normalises”. Manuscript: When an elephant cries coming soon
Posted on: Sun, 04 May 2014 09:04:34 +0000
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