More Than Just A Game -- Nelson Mandela and Futbol

Unfortunately, I didn't find Sports as a priority topic at the Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting last week in Kampala. In the lead up to South Africa's 2010 World Cup, I felt that Sports could have been a key contributor to discussions and plans for social, and economic development not only for 2010, or the 2009 Commonwealth Games, but also year-in-and-year-out in CHOGM nations.

Yet, fear not, I see that the world is catching on to the Sports for Social Change Movement. Most recently, the movement pushed forward, with the premiere of the feature film "More Than Just A Game." I've heard a bit about the stories of futball on Robben Island, and Nelson Mandela's passion for the game, but this film aims to give the full story.

I am interested to see the film and believe it may have the power to teach more of the world that sports (and in this case football) are more than just a game!

(see info below about the film)

WORLD PREMIERE OF “MORE THAN JUST A GAME” ON 23 NOVEMBER IN DURBAN

The World Premiere of the film, More Than Just A Game, which tells the dramatic and little-known story of organized football played among prisoners on Robben Island will take place at the occasion of the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in Durban on Friday, 23 November at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The film, produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring is directed by Junaid Ahmed and stars Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi) and Wright Ngubeni (Generations).

Told through the stories of five former prisoners, More Than Just A Game follows the story of how political activists who were unjustly imprisoned on Robben Island in the 1960s rise above their incarceration by creating a football league, the Makana Football Association (Makana FA), thereby finding an outlet for their passion and commitment to discipline through football.

Last week, producer Anant Singh pre-screened the film for executives of the world governing body of football in Zurich and met FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, who commented, “What happened on Robben Island was a revealing example showing that football is much more than just a game. For the "Freedom fighters", it was about dignity, respect, fun and hope in a space where humanity was surviving in the middle of oppression and infamy. In the world of today so divided and so unfair, football can teach us a lot on the universality and the solidarity embodied in the values and principles of our sport. The docu-drama More Than Just A Game is a beautiful project that FIFA is proud to support."

Producer Anant Singh commented, “We are thrilled to be having the World Premiere of More Than Just A Game as part of the Official Programme of the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in our home town, Durban. More Than Just A Game is a story about human beings trying to succeed against all odds and to survive using football as their inspiration. The film is a tribute to the people on Robben Island who fought for the privilege to play football. We appreciate the support of FIFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee for the opportunity to showcase our film at the Preliminary Draw. The film demonstrates the continent’s love for the game, validating the FIFA World Cup finally coming to Africa in 2010.

Durban will be abuzz with activity from 22 to 25 November with more than 2000 people descending on the city. The film premiere will be attended by the original five Robben Islanders on whom the film is based, i.e. Mark Shinners, Anthony Suze, Lizo Sitoto, Sedick Isaacs and Marcus Solomon, as well as the actors that play them – Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubeni, Az Abrahams, Tshepo Maseko and Merlin Balie. Also in attendance will be soccer legends such as Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer as well as representatives of more than 100 football associations and a large contingent of international media.

The film will be released at more than 50 screens nationally in South Africa through United International Pictures (South Africa) in December 2007. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged on African soil, will be held in South Africa from June 11 through July 11.

More Than Just A Game is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Telkom Media, Filmex (Pty) Ltd, Distant Horizon, and the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. The film stars Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubeni, Az Abrahams, Tshepo Maseko and Merlin Balie. It is executive produced by Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh and produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring with Chuck Korr, Lord Ted Rowlands, Double Jab Productions and Hannelie Bekker co-producing. The screenplay is by Tom Eaton and it is directed by Junaid Ahmed.

Part 2 - Uganda, An Entrepreneur’s Canvas: How Ugandans are Molding and Painting the Future

One of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Lake Victoria, is now home to Uganda’s first Academy of Art and Design. One that could become the model art academy in Africa..

This upcoming March the doors to the Nagenda International Academy of Art Design (NIADD) officially open. Fortunately for me, I know the visionary behind NIAAD. He is one of the very first people I met in Uganda in 2003 and has provided wisdom and inspiration to me, hundreds of others from within and outside of Uganda. His name is Dr. Kizito Maria Kasule, he is 36 years old, and born in the Masaka District of Uganda. When I describe his work to friends and potential buyers, I call him the “Picasso of Africa.”



From extremely humble beginnings as a street child to earning a PhD and teaching at the Makerere University, Kizito has made a name for himself as one of Africa’s Premiere artists. His oil paintings are in the homes of many distinguished diplomats, in hotel and bank lobbies, owned by development agency staff and in the dorm rooms and apartments of US university students. However, as impressive this may be, Kizito is always teaching, always creating and remains relentless in his dream to create the model African Academy for Art and Design for university age students.


This dream is the culmination of just 2.5 years of taking virtually every Uganda Shilling, Euro and US dollar from his paintings sold to lay (brick-by-brick) the foundation for the Nagenda International Academy of Art and Design.

Walking through the halls of Kizito’s nearly complete school on the shores of Lake Victoria reminded me of why I have so much hope for Uganda and Africa’s future. Essentially, the students and children that will enter the halls of Nagenda in 2008 will enter as students of art, and leave as artists that contribute to the re-birth and growth of Uganda.

Realizing that creative energy may be stifled within the walls of conventional primary and university institutions, Kizito believes in offering an environment where students are free to express themselves, collaborate on projects and have the physical space to paint, sculpt, dream and take their art to the local and international markets. The curriculum will include art history, cultural literature, oil painting, sculpting, textile design, and the school will embrace the power of ICT through graphic and web-design course work.



Another unique feature of Nagenda includes opening up the academy to street and other vulnerable children between the ages of 8 – 15 years. Each month, children will come to Nagenda and will learn art from Kizito and the admitted students.

Why is he doing this? Kizito believes in the power of African Youth and that artists have the capacity to paint a brighter future for Uganda, but that they are stifled with the current education system.

However, most interesting to me is that NIADD steps outside the conventional, antiquated education practices in Uganda. While primary and secondary education is free to Ugandans, and this is a step in the right direction, a place like NIADD will encourage and enhance Uganda by being student-centered.

NIADD also wants to build new connections and networks with Universities around East Africa, Africa and internationally. These networks could help to facilitate international student and teaching exchange programs. These could also help the youth better understand global issues. Moreover, the prospects for relationships with universities and linking with foundations could mean art fellowships and study abroad courses for Ugandans in New York, Paris, and Rome. This type of exchange would go beyond the headlines of “what you think you know about Africa,” these art ambassadors will showcase a new Africa.

NIAAD is truly a dream that is being realized. And, while there is a lot of re-beautification of Kampala going on for CHOGM, I found real beauty during the few hours I spent with Kizito near the shores of Lake Victoria at NIAAD. If Kizito has anything to do with it, Uganda will become the epicenter for social change through art in Africa.

Uganda, An Entrepreneur’s Canvas: How Ugandans are Molding and Painting the Future

The starving artist does not starve in Uganda, or at least they don’t have to if they are an entrepreneur.

I didn’t expect to stumble upon art as a way to improve economic development in the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) during CHOGM. But, as I’ve learned while traveling in Africa, there are pleasant surprises everyday.

“Vision is the ability to see what the naked eyes can’t see about the future.” These are the words of David Ssegawa, who received the Faidika Na BBC (Prosper with BBC) Young Entrepreneur Award at the Commonwealth Youth Forum earlier this week.

A native of Kampala, 22 year old David Ssegawa won $2,000 and a new lap-top for his vision to create a candle making factory. Ssegawa intends to start his business by purchasing a machine that can melt and mold wax, rent an office space for 3 months and bring on an associate to help him. He says his company will “benefit local communities across Uganda” that are not connected to the grid.




But, there are already candles in Uganda, right? “At present, candles are imported from China,” David recently explained to BBC, “but I want to launch a business which will make them locally and bring savings and benefits to the local community.”

David’s approach is ambitious, but incremental. With new found partnerships and networks developed during the Commonwealth Youth Forum they could help to “light-up Uganda.” Now, I don’t necessarily believe that this is the silver-bullet idea to light-up Africa; however, I do believe that David’s idea is one that is more than what the “naked eye” can see.

For example, David could turn his vision (with additional resources) into a full-fledged candle making business. Scented, colored, large, small, all kinds of shapes and sizes of candles that can be sold locally, regionally, and internationally. A home-grown, youth driven Ugandan Candle Factory.
This idea makes sense because anyone who has been to Uganda knows that talented artisans span every corner of the country. Artisans range from textiles and fashion designers, to mask-makers and wood-carvers, to sculptors, painters, and seamstresses. Candle makers would be another notch in the belt.

Let’s say on the low-end that these uniquely Ugandan candles are sold for 20,000 USH ($10 US) at the Buganda Road Market or National Theater Market in Kampala. Tourists flock to these sites to find new and different crafts to take home to friends and family. After the sale a portion goes back to David, a portion goes to his company, and portion could be used toward the purchase of additional wax melting and molding machines. The machines can then be loaned to semi off-the-grid rural communities (Note: someone reading this must have the technical skills to develop a solar powered wax molding machine). People in the community are then taught by David or his associates on:

• How to use and maintain the machine (and possibly in new ways)

• How to market the candles

• Basic management/ledger book skills

• And brainstorming meetings that tap into the creative spirit to develop new product lines

From what I could tell, David’s entrepreneurial, can-do spirit will “light-up Uganda and Ugandans.” He has the benefit of being in the CHOGM spotlight, has seed-money in his pocket and a new lap-top (Note to David: consider purchasing a web camera, a low cost cell phone or digital camera with video recording capabilities and YouTube your business!)

He is well-positioned to turn his vision into a powerful social business venture, and I look forward to hearing more about his success.

A Challenge to CHOGM Youth: Here Come the Hummers .....

There’s a whole lot of buzz right now in Kampala about what to do about climate change. Yes, it is because of environmental champions like Wangari Mathai and Al Gore, but here in Kampala, from what I can tell, it’s because people are realizing that Uganda is losing the battle and it’s getting worse by the year.

Since I arrived to Uganda on Monday, several editorials have appeared in both of Uganda’s daily newspapers. The articles range from how to reduce the carbon footprint in the home, to daunting statistics about the global climate crisis. These have teased my thirst to know more about what Ugandans and specifically Ugandan youth are doing about climate change.

More interesting is the commentary reminding readers about people power in Uganda. Earlier this year Ugandan youth mobilized and protested in the streets of Kampala. They protested the Government of Uganda’s proposed give-away of a portion of the Mabira Forest Reserve to the Mehta Group of Companies for sugarcane growing. Unfortunately, 5 people died during the demonstrations, but not in vain. The Government of Uganda withdrew the plan, and this was a victory for environmentalists, for civil society and a victory for future generations of Ugandans.

Today, this story was brought up by delegates at the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the opening session on “Climate Change and Sustainable Living.” Overall, I was impressed with the delegates. They asked panelists interesting questions, demonstrated lots energy to do good work, and talked about their passion for sustainable living in a time of severe climate change. However, I was surprised not to hear more personal stories, examples and suggestions for tanglible action in the movement to fight Climate Change.

But, before I continue, allow me to digress and paint the climate change picture in Uganda:

The Facts: (Strike the organ music…. Here come the chilling statistics)

• In Uganda, due to Climate Change, farmers lose 120 billion Uganda Shillings annually (that’s about 71.2 million USD)

• In Uganda, disasters which include floods, drought, pests, disease reportedly destroy 800,000 hectares of crops annually (that’s about 2,000 acres)

• In Uganda, climate related disasters contribute to over 70 percent of the natural disasters.

However, there is also some good news:

• Uganda is being proactive. There are several solar power start-up companies, there are solar power street lights in Kampala, and community organizations are facilitating community clean-ups and education programs in slums.

• Uganda is on the verge of long-term peace and security in Northern Uganda. This means more opportunity for education, employment and investment, and potentially clean technology investment.

• Uganda’s GDP grew steadily by about 6 percent since 1998.

• On a personal note, I was out in the Wakiso District the other day (about 50 minutes outside of Kampala) and a local engineer working on a construction project asked if I could help him to bring wind-power to rural parts of the country.

Unfortunately, all of this good news does come with a footnote. As Uganda grows and the urban centers further industrialize, carbon emissions are likely to increase. So, therein lies the opportunity (note: TODAY) for youth to do something in the grassroots and grasstops.

So, here are a few ideas:

• Adopt innovative solutions to change attitudes and habits. This begins on the community level, in the home, in the school, in the slum. One excellent example is the SeSe Islands Ball Project in Uganda. A young entrepreneur named James organized local children in the SeSe Islands to participate in community wide plastic bag clean ups. The children are taught about the dangers of waste and litter and then spend time collecting plastic bags throughout their community. These plastic bags are then converted into soccer balls for the youth to play with, and also, sold on the local market for a couple hundred Uganda Shillings.

• Get Moving. Don’t wait for Government to introduce policies, it’s time for youth to introduce polices to the Government. Form partnerships and relationships with local, district and national Government representatives that can become the Climate Change Champions. Don’t just host meetings and summits with them, but work on education and awareness campaigns that could lead to incremental reductions in carbon emissions country-wide.

• Develop new networks. Establish relationships with universities around the globe that participate in cultural exchanges, do cutting-edge research and offer technical expertise in alternatives energies (i.e. Kigali Institute of Technology is a great place to start). These are great networks that could help to build new knowledge, potentially funding, and hopefully lead to long-term friendships and partnerships in the public and private sector.

• Maximize the power of the Internet. Blog on places like “Global Voices,” use Facebook and YouTube. The best story is a personal story. If you have a story then tell it and spread the word. Let people know what’s happening in your country, because it’s likely happening to them too.

There’s a lot that of work to do, and many ways to go about getting it done. But, at the end of the day, the youth are the best leaders to lead the climate change movement. So, my challenge to the CHOGM Youth is this:

You’re already aware climate changes is a problem, you’re energetic, and you’re ready to make an impact it's time to make moves to fight climate change. It’s time to take it to the next level, because our shared future depends on it. And if that’s not enough, then let me leave you with the following story:

“You know, here in Uganda we have 6 Hummers.” At first, I thought my friend Vincent was trying to be funny. “Hummers in Uganda?” I responded. “Yes. They are moving around town and they eat the gas. I don’t like it.” I thought to myself, would these gas guzzling vehicles be the new Ex-Pat vehicles for long trips to the North? For Safari companies? Would tomorrow’s fleet of aid and development agency vehicles be replaced with hand-me-down Hummers? I certainly hope not. Do you?

Allow me to introduce you, TINU. (This is the New Uganda)

The traffic jams are just too much! The air is just too polluted! Things move too slowly! The Government is just too corrupt! Well… many would respond, TIA (or this is Africa). Now, maybe it’s because I look at my glass of Uganda Passion Juice as half-full because I cannot respond so cynically.

Before landing at Entebbe International Airport this past Monday night I realized that this particular trip to Uganda is like a first date. Well, it’s not exactly my first time visiting her, but it has been more than 1 year and from what I’ve heard Uganda is changing.

One only need to Google “CHOGM” to find that Uganda’s plans, renovations and preparations for CHOGM have been praised and criticized (more of the later) by those within and outside of Uganda. I’ve read many of these articles, editorials and blogs for background more than anything else.

Again, it’s like the hype before going out on your first date. Your friends, your family and your Facebook have their 1,000 Uganda Shillings worth to share. But, at the end of the day you have to see for yourself.

So, it’s now Thursday, and my first impression is that I AM impressed with Uganda, because positive change is underway and here’s what I learned….

A. The airport is renovated. Though of course smaller and without the busy monitors, running advertisements and chaos of a JFK Airport, the baggage claim is cleaner, mosquito’s aren’t nesting at the and the lights aren’t flickering.

B. We now have street lights and we do don’t want you to drink and drive. In Uganda in 2002, it is reported that 15,000 road accidents took place resulting in more than 2,000 deaths. A contributor to these accidents is drunk driving. Today, sign-posts and billboards across Kampala and its surrounding suburbs bear the message “Don’t Drink and Drive.” The best part of it all is that you can actually read these signs between the lights turning from red to green. Road safety and security is becoming a key issue in Uganda.

C. Celtel has taken over the Uganda cell phone market. MTN Yellow used to be the color of Uganda and now it’s Cel-Tel Red. I’ve talked with several Ugandans who made the switch from MTN to CelTel. Why? Simply, because the quality of the connection meaning fewer dropped calls and network outages. I can vouch for this too. My CelTel SIM card is making my communications easy.

D. Freedom network. Virtually, and no pun intended, Uganda’s Wifi “Freedom” Network can be accessed throughout the majority of downtown Kampala. While you cannot always sign-on to the network so easily, maintain some patience and you’ll get on.

E. More wireless networks. While driving around Kampala City I used my Skype Phone to see how many wireless signals were in range. At any given time I was able to view 3 – 5 different wireless signals. Unfortunately, though, the Skype Phone only works on one of those wireless networks, see item D above.

F. Solar Street Lights. Last night while driving up toward Parliament Road, a friend pointed out the solar street lights (a technology I also noticed in neighboring Rwanda). This is a BIG step and something, perhaps, that can become a permanent fixture throughout the city. From what I’ve been told, the plan is to bring more solar technologies into the downtown.


Now, of course, in some ways, the critics are right….. (I owe you at the very least a small paragraph)

A. Not all of the hotels are ready for visitors.
B. The quality and pace of service in restraunts and bars is to be desired
C. Not all of the roads have been resurfaced
D. Traffic jams persist

But, to all of you out there…… Readers, skeptics, critics and even fans of Uganda, I say to you T-I-N-U. This Is the New Uganda and I think we’ll be going out again.

Reading Uganda at Schiphol Airport

Fresh off my 7 hour over-night flight from Dulles, I witnessed a beautiful sunrise on the other side of the Atlantic as we approached Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. I've spent many, many hours roaming the boutiques, art galleries, food courts and signing into several wireless spots at Schiphol. Forunately, it's just 2 hours before the next flight, but I just had to get the blogging going.

After sending a few quick emails, I Google'd "CHOGM" to see what Uganda's Daily papers aresaying now that it is Monday and this IS officially the week of CHOGM. The headlines are just too many to mention, but at least a few are worth noting. If for noting more than they are comical. Howver, they remind me of just how much I look forward to reconnecting with my Ugandan friends and "getting on the ground" as the Ugandan's say.

Here's a sample of the headlines (and I plan to share more during my week at CHOGM)......

"Ready for Chogm? If you are, indicate left and turn right"

"Is Chogm another way of writing 'life presidency for Museveni'?"

"Uganda: Boda Boda Banned From CHOGM Areas"

"Is CHOGM a curse?"

"The Chogm riddle"

"Uganda: CHOGM - Kayihura Sorry Over Jams"

"Uganda: The Shoeshine - I Know Who Isn't Ready for CHOGM"