Prof Mamdani asks public figures to document history
L-R: Presidential Adviser Kirunda Kivejinja, former Prime Minister Kintu Musoke and Peoples Progressive Party president Bidandi Ssali at the launch of The Sapoba Legacy book in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY STEPHEN WANDERA.
KAMPALA
Prof Mahmood Mamdani yesterday urged public figures to lead in documenting events they go through, but also cautioned against distortion of facts to fit interests or situations.
Prof Mamdani, a renowned academician at Makerere University and Columbia University in the US, said public figures writing history through their eyes is still lukewarm in the country and poses a challenge for the generation ahead.
“You don’t have to be a politician or former politician to write a book, as long as you are public figure, you should,” he said at the launch of a book titled ‘The Sapoba Legacy: A Story of Ideals and Idealism in Uganda Politics and Family Life’.
The book documents the journey of three politicians: former presidential aspirant and president of the Peoples Progressive Party Bidandi Ssali; former Prime Minister Kintu Musoke and presidential adviser Kirunda Kivejinja, commonly known as The Trio.
Mr Musoke said the idea behind documenting their story is to highlight the notion of “simple living, high thinking” in which they [The Trio] was bound throughout their political lives.
Former Kyambogo University don and director of National Council of Higher Education, Prof A. B Kasozi, who reviewed the book, said: “It also highlights how institutions that supersede individuals can be created.”
