Welcome To The World According To Me

The April 2008 State Alumni Member of the Month is Fred Mutebi. Mr. Mutebi is an alumnus of the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program. Through the use of art, he has made significant strides toward improving the lives of children living in his home country of Uganda.

To download the official announcement, click here.

It is a priviledge that he is my friend.

Forest Whitaker speaks with Sam Okello at the Hope North school in northern Uganda.  Whitaker is actively involved in supporting the school.

The Next King of Scotland, Michael

To read my story on the Clinton Foundation website, click here.

This is my last night here in Uganda.  I can't believe that five weeks has gone by already.  In only a few hours I will board a plane to begin my journey back home to Stephanie .  I will start 2008 in London.  I will be meeting with some of the supporters and potential supporters of Kwach Academy while in London.  Kwach Academy is a perfect example of a quality Ugandan organization helping the underprivileged and vulnerable in Uganda.  The administration and staff have a vested interest in achieving success in their efforts because this is their homeland and their people.  They don't get to "go home" or be reassigned to another country if they fail. 

Tonight I had my "farewell" dinner at the home of my friend Mary Jo.  I met Mary Jo and her two wonderful children, Maria and Solomon, on a previous trip to Uganda in early 2005.  I always enjoy the lively discussions about current events and African issues when I go there.  Tonight was particularly focused on African politics.  There was a presidential election held in neighboring Kenya last week.  An unpopular Mwai Kibaki was running for a second five-year term as the president of Kenya.  He had promised in the 2002 election to only serve one term if elected.  Many of his political party members had lost in recent Parliamentary elections.  Raila Odinga was expected to win the election as the chief opposition candidate.  On election day most news programs had Odinga leading Kibaki by almost two million votes.  Then suddenly all election reports stopped.  Today it was announced that Kibaki had won and he was immediately sworn in for his next term as president of Kenya.  International election monitors have expressed real concerns over election irregularities.  Tonight Kenya is in chaos.  There is rioting and bloodshed.  It just seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same!  My friend Deng Bol Aruei has been in and out of Nairobi, Kenya during his trip to Africa.  He is scheduled to fly out of Nairobi on his way back to Texas.  I just pray that he will be alright and that he returns safely to Plano.

This last week has been extremely productive for me.  I have been able to put together some awesome Powerpoint presentations for Fred in preparation for some very important events that he has coming up soon.  One occasion will be a presentation to members of the Ugandan Parliament to recognize the work of Let Art Talk in the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that was held in Kampala, Uganda in November 2007.  Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles were both in Uganda to attend.  Let Art Talk created a fabulous ten panel "talking mural" to commemorate the historic event for Uganda.  The mural will be enshrined in the Uganda National Museum.  The other occasion will be Fred's visit to the United States to attend a conference at the University of Memphis in March.  Fred will be communicating the vision and the mission of Let Art Talk to many academics and potential supporters.  It is very important that these two occasions are well-prepared and well-presented. 

I have accumulated a lot of photographs, video, and artwork to bring back  home with me.  There will be plenty for me to do.  I  would like to produce a short promotional DVD/video for Let Art Talk.  I also want to create some brochures and a catalog of all the children's artwork and stories.  In addition, I would like to create a "virtual store" on eBay to sell Fred's incredible artwork.

And finally, I do have a New Year's resolution for 2008.  I will get a job!  Seriously folks!  No kidding!

Happy New Year!  Michael

I have made the long journey to the northern Uganda town of Gulu. My first visit to Gulu was back in June 2007. This time I chose to travel as most Ugandan do, by public transport. I rode on a coach bus for the six to seven hour journey. However the day was so much longer to get here. There is a lot of waiting around when traveling in Uganda. The buses really don't have schedules. They depart when they are full. This bus was more than full. Every seat was filled plus people sitting and standing in the aisle. Lots of people's belongings too. One person brought along about 10 boxes of little baby chicks. The boxes were stuffed under every seat where I was sitting. During the entire journey we were serenaded by the constant drone of "peeping". Peep, peep, peep, peep, peep, peep, peep!  There were also several newborn babies. Occasionally there were outbursts of crying. Also along for the long journey were about a dozen Ugandan army soldiers. I seemed to be the subject of discussion a few times. They would look back at me staring and talking in Luganda with other soldiers. I was the only "muzungu" (white person) on the bus. This is an unusual thing to happen. Usually white people are pampered and receive private transportation by some large charity or decide to spend lots of money to arrange special treatment. I don't want special treatment while I am here. I want to experience life as the people here do. Seeing the hardships here is one thing, but EXPERIENCING them is the only way connect with the average Ugandan. What also added to the length of the bus ride is the horrible conditions of the roads. This wasn't a bus cruising down the Atlantic City Expressway hauling a busload of seniors to the casinos going 70 mph. There are obstacles, huge potholes, and bumps all along the way. The jolting can be vicious at times. Not enjoyable for anyone with a headache, backache, or tender rear-end.

I am here in Gulu by invitation of my Acholi friends. I will attended a special event today. There will be dignitaries and special guests in attendance. I will take lots of pictures and video for future documentary projects. Just in case any of you have heard this on the news, there have been ebola outbreaks here. I am in good hands. No need to be concerned. Good hygiene and common sense are the best preventative measures. New ways of greeting each other are being created instead of shaking hands by some people. I am heading out now to meet my friends. Today will be very busy.

Christmas blessings, Michael

As usual, I find myself doing more reading while here in Uganda than when I am at home. The lure of the television and other distractions prevents me from taking the time to read books. I do plenty of reading on the computer via the internet. Like much of the younger generation, I get most of the news and information from the internet. I can spend hours staring at a computer screen but seldom pick up a book and read it until completion. Stephanie bought me an insightful book called "Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World" by Bill Clinton. I have been reading it while here in Uganda. The book documents the incredible works of many ordinary citizens that have made an impact in this world. These are people that felt that they had a purpose in this world to serve others with their time, skills, knowledge, and/or money. They have made a difference in the lives of many people by recognizing a need, sensing a purpose to get involved, having and sharing a vision, and pursuing their mission. It is real people that we all know on a personal level that are making a positive change in the world. It is people that matter. Large institutions like governments, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and some well-meaning charities have become wrought with inefficiencies, waste, corruption, and bureaucracy. Think about how much you want the government involved in your life, in your job, and in your family. Then why would people advocate that in other countries. Especially developing countries. Look at Africa today. Those methods of funding development and modernization are not working in Africa. It is time for a revolution of compassion at the grassroots level by ordinary people.

The book "Giving" chronicles some of these stories and explains new ways that each of us can get involved locally, nationally, and globally. Getting involved requires more than signing an email petition. Getting involved requires more than sending a postcard to the White House demanding that our government "take action". Many people refer to those activities as "activism". I call it "slacktivism". Sometimes getting involved requires a personal sacrifice. Just ask anyone in the USA that was alive during World War II. That was the last time that ordinary American citizens truly made a sacrifice by planting "victory gardens", using less energy, buying war bonds, rationing fuel, eating lots of Spam, and sending loved ones off to war. People didn't "go green" because it was a fad that was profitable. They did it because they felt it was their duty!

Many of you are aware of the scathing response that I received from some people by announcing my plans to come back to Africa and ask for some help to accomplish my desire. Needs and opportunities don't wait for a convenient time to surface. They happen . . . and we must respond! I want to thank those people that have helped make this trip a possibility for me. Your help is not just about money. Your help includes your encouragement, your prayers, your understanding, and your kindness towards Stephanie while I am away from home. Think about buying "Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World" as a Christmas present for someone this year. You may inspire someone to change the world.

My manifesto is finished. Sorry for the rambling. I hope that most of you can understand my motivation and passion that has brought me to this place. I thank God for the blessings in my life so that I may be a blessing to others.

Merry Happy Seasons Christmas Holiday Greetings, Michael

I have spent the last few days transcribing handwritten stories from Ugandan children. These stories correspond with the artwork that they have created as a part of the workshops that Let Art Talk conducts. Let Art Talk was founded by my good friend Fred Mutebi. These stories tell about the experiences that these young people have endured growing up in northern Uganda. The region of northern Uganda has witnessed a horrific 20 year war that mostly targets innocent civilians. Four of the young artists are staying at Fred Mutebi's house with me. They spend hours painting and drawing to tell their stories . This is done with meager art supplies.

At times the stories hit me really hard. I would think of my life as a young teenager and the struggles that I had in my life. Most of our struggles are rooted in selfishness and our comforts. This can cause us to become angry at the circumstances. However, anger can be a constructive emotion if directed properly. At most times we turn our anger inward because we feel that we've been cheated or shortchanged about something. We play the victim. Anger can also be turned outward at the injustices that are plaguing innocent people. Anger can cause people to advocate change. Anger can help eliminate the wrongs in this world. Anger must have been the primary emotion that caused people like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela to take action. Three of them were assassinated and one was imprisoned for over 25 years. What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right. I have seen real victims! I have talked with real victims! These victims are still teenagers. And these victims still have hopes and dreams that they share with a smile on their faces. Here are two of their stories.

I SURVIVED by Layet Florence. Once upon a time in my poor typical village where I was living with my family members, I was unhappy and never had peace and joy because of the war which was affecting my village and the entire northern Uganda at large by killing, abducting, burning houses and crops, cutting people’s mouth, nose, ears, and making people to carry heavy loads. In my village, I am one of the students who was really affected by the war because I was always chased with gun as shown in the painting I made with the rebels. But I survived several times from them although I was abducted and stayed for three days in the bush. One of the things that makes my life miserable and worrying is my father who was abducted and killed and my brother who was abducted and nobody knows about him. This makes the whole family unhappy so many times while staying in the congested camp and being supplied with little amount of food. So in conclusion, God make me to survive and I think He should help me achieve a better education and life in future rather than staying in the congested camp where getting money for basic things like a pen are very difficult for my mother and me. There are associated problems in the camps like spreading of diseases from person to person.

ONCE UPON A TIME by Okello Collins Monday. Once upon a time, when I was staying in a village called Olwal, I was abducted by the rebels when we were sleeping. It was at night when the rebels came and found four of us sleeping in the same room. Due to my bad luck, the boys ran away and I was left alone in the room. One rebel entered the room where I was sleeping and I was captured. We were three that were abducted and out of those I was the youngest. One person was killed because he tried to run away and then there were just us two. I was given a heavy load and the other man was being tortured seriously. On the second day we moved for about 20 miles. My leg was swollen and they decided to kill me because I was unable to walk. Due to my good luck the commander ordered one abducted man to carry me on his back because I was very young. On the third day we came to a village called Natiko and we stayed there for three days without moving anymore. My leg was treated and I got cured. We were being sent to go and get food stuffs from the nearby camp. On the seventh day, which was my last day in the bush, we moved from Natiko to a certain village called Laroo, which is near the town and I decided to escape. The picture which I have painted is showing how I was suffering in the bush and how other people are suffering in the bush up to now.

Until next time, Michael

I wanted to share the attached email with you from Deng Bol Aruei. He has arrived in Africa on his long journey to return to his village in southern Sudan after many, many years. I will meet Deng around the 20th in Juba, Sudan to work on a project with him. Since Deng is in a wheelchair, he will need a lot of assistance getting around. Africa is not quite handicapped accessible. I met Deng a couple months ago in a local Kinko's while I was there making copies for another African organization where I have been doing some volunteer work. We have become fast friends since that time. He is the main reason I have chosen to come back to Africa so quickly since the last time in June.

I know that many of my friends and acquaintances don't understand my strong connection with the people here. Why would a guy that can earn a huge paycheck and work almost anyplace that he wanted choose otherwise? Do I have great vision or am I completely blind? I am still seeking answers for myself. The email that I received below from Deng helped encourage me. Achieving a "rich" and fulfilling life is not just about financial treasures. I have been blessed with a great family, an incredible wife, and relationships that are sincere and genuine. The fact that I have been born and raised in the USA gives me great advantages and opportunities over the large majority of the world's population. Why would I not want to share that with others?

The American government is not our strongest defense against terrorism and those that wish to cause harm to innocent people. I am convinced that our strongest weapon is the average American citizen. People from all over the world come into contact with average Americans everyday. Whether it is someone traveling abroad for vacation, business, or humanitarian work, we all can change a stranger's perception of what America is all about by how we conduct ourselves and speak. We can also meet people from other lands in our own neighborhoods, towns, or jobs. Just as Americans are misinformed about many parts of the world, many parts of the world are misinformed about America. I have experienced this many times. I wish that some of the taxpayers money that is being used to fight for "democracy and freedom" in Iraq would be spent by the US State Department to educate every American that is applying for a passport on how to be a responsible and respectful "ambassador" for America. The term "ugly American" is very appropriate in many cases. Each of us may dramatically change somebody's view of America through a simple act of kindness and respect. Imagine that playing soccer with some Muslim boys in Uganda could possibly stop a deadly act. Simple. Yet effective. And free! In the words of John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!"

Here is Deng's email.

Dear Mike and Steph, Greetings from Kenya! I am writing from Loki just a few hours away from boarding my first flight to Southern Sudan in 16 years! Although I am going to Abyei between Northern and Southern Sudan, this flight will take me either through Juba and Rumbek and Turalei or all of them. I am sick of flying!! Michael: I have been missing your IMs. I am sorry! How is Uganda? I will be talking to you soon. I am now working on our schedule from Nairobi to Kakuma, Loki to Kongor and Kongor to Juba and will let you know as soon as we know what the deal is... Mike and Steph: With this e-mail, I just wanted to thank you for everything since we met, It's been wonderful and it's like I found a new family. I felt out of place when Michael left and now I can't wait for the next time we will be in Dallas again. Let's have dinner, my treat in January!! Again, thanks!! I love you, guys!!

Be thankful, Michael

The Let Art Talk opening exhibition event at Ndere Center that I mentioned in my earlier email was featured in today's main newspaper here in Uganda. I'd like to share the article with you. It is a privilege to be associated with such an innovative and unique program. The government of Uganda has now taken notice of what a powerful medium art can be to communicate a message. A representative of the Ministry of Health surprised Fred Mutebi by inviting him to help them fight HIV/AIDS using the Let Art Talk program. This is a testament to the dedication and vision that Fred has devoted to making an impact here in Uganda. Here is the the article.

Saturday marked commemoration of the World Aids Day and unlike routine where mass media is awash with messages re-echoing notions in the ABC (abstinence/be faithful/condoms) campaign, this year the Embassy of the United States of America chose unique media to communicate . . . art. The embassy in partnership with artist Fred Mutebi put a new face to the campaign through an art exhibition by children affected by the conflict in Northern Uganda, women and children affected by HIV/Aids and youth from Masaka. The art exhibition dubbed 'North-South Art exchange' brought together children from war-torn Northern Uganda and others from Kampala who are living with HIV/Aids, in an interaction through art. "This is basically an attempt to take art to the grass root people and use art as a vehicle for constructive change in Uganda," Mutebi told guests who mainly constituted Fulbright alumnus. Fred Mutebi is an accomplished multicolour woodcut artist who has used his artistry to convey the fragility of the human condition in Africa particularly young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The children at the exhibition, which was put coordinated by Let Art Talk (LAT), were able to do painting on the art mural in light with the exhibition theme, "Stop Aids, Keep the promise". There were also works on display like paintings, decorative bangles, pots among other items. Public Affairs Officer from the US embassy, Lisa Heilbronn commended Mutebi for his efforts which are relevant to the aims of Fulbright alumni- to benefit local community. The exhibition was also graced by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Mary Nanono who called on Mutebi to initiate his innovation in spreading the HIV/Aids gospel using art through the ministry's programmes.

Until next time, Michael

Sorry for the delay in emailing everyone. I have been in Uganda now for one week. Unfortunately my luggage has not been here as long as I have been . My stuff came on the next British Airways flight from London two days later .

I have experienced a lot already. Most of it is very humbling. Patience and understanding are needed. I am staying with my friend Fred Mutebi while I am in Kampala. Fred is doing incredible work to help people less fortunate all over Uganda. His foundation called Let Art Talk is just starting, but is already making an impact. He has funded most of this program with his own money. He is desperately seeking funding. The US Embassy here has been able to help a fraction financially. It is greatly appreciated. Let Art Talk is having a month long exhibition of its art work at a phenomenal cultural and performing arts center called Ndere Center. The exhibition features work created by former child soldiers from northern Uganda, children orphaned and/or living with HIV/AIDS in Kampala, and extremely poor rural children from Fred's home village called Masaka. Fred has created an exchange program so that children from diverse parts of Uganda can interact and learn from each other while attending art workshops together. It is an amazing idea that is very unique.

Today I will be interviewing a couple children from the war torn area of northern Uganda. I will video the interview for a future video project. Both of these children (a boy and a girl) have been abducted by rebel forces and forced to do despicable acts. These are some of the children that Let Art Talk and Kwach Academy are helping to overcome their trauma and grow into healthy adults. I will travel to the northern Uganda town of Gulu on December 14. While there I will assist in the work of Kwach Academy. There is a lot to be done after 20 years of war and bloodshed. There are rumors that the continuing ceasefire may be falling apart. Rebel forces may be regrouping. I will be safe. No worries. I have good people around me. After Gulu I will continue north into the country of Sudan. On December 19, I will meet my good friend from home, Deng Bol Aruei, in the city of Juba. Deng is another incredible individual. He is visiting his village that he fled over 18 years ago when war began in southern Sudan. He is doing this while in a wheelchair. I will be with Deng in his village on Christmas Day.

Please keep these struggling people in your hearts on Christmas Day while you are all enjoying your gifts and scrumptious foods. A part of me is missing while I am here. Stephanie has been a great su