by JOSH KRON
Ugandans cleaned spare parts in Kiseka, a market that reflects a protest movement’s anger over the economy and graft. PHOTO/Michele Sibiloni
Sam Katende wipes his brow as a burst of steam from his frying pan blows into his face.
This business used to be a lot easier, dishing out rolled eggs — or “Rolexes,” as the ubiquitous and beloved snack is known here — for about 33 cents a pop. But, as Mr. Katende says, “life has changed.”
Customers are not coming around anymore. Uganda’s economy has been in turmoil, with prices for everything from bananas to petrol to the charcoal Mr. Katende uses to fire up his stove at least doubling in recent months. The Ugandan shilling is one of the world’s worst-performing currencies against the dollar this year, and the overall economic malaise is fueling an urban protest movement that has become the longest in sub-Saharan Africa, with many Ugandans saying they are drawing inspiration from the Arab Spring.
The complaints are similar: Many Ugandans say that their government is corrupt and that their president, Yoweri Museveni, who after 25 years has ruled Uganda for longer than more than half the country’s population has been alive, is dismissive of the people’s plight.
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(Thanks to Shahbuddin Haji)