On Monday, the first day of my internship at the Refugee Law Project, I was invited to attend a lecture about the root problems of market failure and potential solutions, especially in developing countries. I was told in advance that Dr. Joseph Stiglitz (Economist at Columbia University and Nobel Laureate in Economics) would be the honorary guest speaker, and Dr. Mahmood Mamdani (Political Scientist at Columbia University and Makerere University, specializing in East African Politics and post-colonial studies) would be the discussant. On the way out to the lecture, there were multiple security checkpoints. When we arrived to the conference center almost two hours later, and the lecture hadn't even started. We were a bit curious and confused as to why the lecture was running late. Then, through the grapevine we heard that His Excellency, President Museveni would be "gracing" everyone with his presence at the lecture.
Not surprisingly, I was disappointed by Stiglitz's presentation, as it focused on the western world and not on the particularities of markets in the developing world. Mamdani was by far the most impressive. He asked four questions that completely debased Stiglitz's theory, particularly how it applied to developing countries and informal financial institutions. But he didn't stop there. Mamdani continued in his comments by poignantly criticizing the level of corruption of Museveni's presidency and administration. He also pointed out Museveni's failure in representing the interest of everyday Ugandans and instead, suggested that Museveni has been interested in increasing his own material wealth, leaving Ugandans to suffer in conditions of dire poverty. Museveni responded to the criticism in true populist, dictator fashion-- first discrediting the work of academics, followed by multiple contradictory statements, and then joking with everyone about everyday problems, as if he himself had experience them. I have never witnessed an in-person, non-comical roasting of a president, and I have to say I was quite impressed. Hopefully, I will be able to meet up with Mamdani for coffee before my time here is over, he is definitely a scholar that I admire.
After Museveni spoke for over an hour, trying to justify his corrupt and nonsensical policies, he departed, and the floor was open to any and all in attendance to raise their concerns, offer suggestions, and ask questions. It was a remarkable experience. Here is one of my favorite photos of Museveni. There are similar photos of him around town, capturing him in his safari hat, advocating for education for all (what a joke).
Not surprisingly, I was disappointed by Stiglitz's presentation, as it focused on the western world and not on the particularities of markets in the developing world. Mamdani was by far the most impressive. He asked four questions that completely debased Stiglitz's theory, particularly how it applied to developing countries and informal financial institutions. But he didn't stop there. Mamdani continued in his comments by poignantly criticizing the level of corruption of Museveni's presidency and administration. He also pointed out Museveni's failure in representing the interest of everyday Ugandans and instead, suggested that Museveni has been interested in increasing his own material wealth, leaving Ugandans to suffer in conditions of dire poverty. Museveni responded to the criticism in true populist, dictator fashion-- first discrediting the work of academics, followed by multiple contradictory statements, and then joking with everyone about everyday problems, as if he himself had experience them. I have never witnessed an in-person, non-comical roasting of a president, and I have to say I was quite impressed. Hopefully, I will be able to meet up with Mamdani for coffee before my time here is over, he is definitely a scholar that I admire.
After Museveni spoke for over an hour, trying to justify his corrupt and nonsensical policies, he departed, and the floor was open to any and all in attendance to raise their concerns, offer suggestions, and ask questions. It was a remarkable experience. Here is one of my favorite photos of Museveni. There are similar photos of him around town, capturing him in his safari hat, advocating for education for all (what a joke).
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