By Hassan Isilow
Monday, July 19, 2010
I used to think that I was a Ugandan, but my nationality has now been questioned. I met an old friend on my recent return to the country, who asked me what my nationality was. Well, I couldn’t believe this was coming from him! What a question! I thought having studied with him, he should have known my nationality.
While growing up as children, we used to play soccer, swim and even talked about girls together, so I knew we were close friends. But why was he asking about my nationality at this age?
Could there be something wrong – I thought. In truth, this friend of mine knew I was a Ugandan of Somali origin, but insisted on asking. Perhaps he might have forgotten my nationality because it is long since we last saw each other.
Maybe he could be suffering from loss of memory, I consoled myself. So I asked him, “Friend, haven’t you known my nationality this long?”
He laughed and said, “Aren’t you from the al Shabaab nationality…. I mean the Somalis who bombed our city recently.”
On hearing this, I realised immediately that the relationship between Ugandans and Somalis was getting strained as a result of Sunday’s twin bomb blasts in Kampala, for which al Shabaab claimed responsibility. Well, being a party animal that I am, I straight away sensed danger, and made a decision to limit my travels around happening spots in the city – since I come from a tribe that is being accused of masterminding the cold-blooded bomb attacks in Kampala.
As I thought what next, a question came to my mind. Why was I born here if a person you grew up with can associate you with terrorists just because you belong to a certain tribe? What would others do? I mean those (people) who don’t know me. I feared there might be retribution meted on members of the Somali community in Uganda. Regardless of the fact that Uganda is my country, I decided to take my personal security very seriously. I knew I was being segregated against for the actions of a few evil minded terrorists who happen to belong to my nationality.
On Wednesday morning, I received a call from an Australian documentary maker. He wanted me to show him around, but I was afraid. I was afraid because many Ugandans could not differentiate between Somalis and al Shabaab. Some of them think that all Somalis are members of al Shabaab but this is not true. The al Shabaab is made up of almost all nationalities in the world - though its top leadership consists of Somalis.
I’m aware that many Ugandans are grief-stricken as a result of this cowardly terrorist attack. However, I appeal to them to remain tolerant of Somalis living in Uganda.
Not all Somalis are involved in terrorist activities. Somalis are grateful for the hospitality you have offered them. Those behind these ruthless attacks are simply a bunch of heartless individuals determined to strain the good relationship enjoyed between the two countries.
Remember Uganda has always enjoyed a good relationship with Somalia. Let us unite once more as a nation irrespective of our tribe, political and religious affiliation and fight as one. May the Almighty God heal those nursing both physical and psychological wounds. For God and my country.