EDUCATION AND AFRICAN FUTURES: A CALL TO A PARADIGM SHIFT FOCUSING ON FUTURE - READY LEARNERS

 The First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports as well as the Conference Host - Hon. Janet Museveni (Centre); The Chief Guest and Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda - Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (to her left) and the Conference Keynote Speaker - Dr. Tom Rudmik (to his left). To the right of the First Lady is Professor Vincent Anigbbogou - The Director General of the Institute for National Transformation and Dr. James Magara - the CASTLE Board Chairman 

I have been privileged to attend probably the greatest thought-provoking event for me in 2019 - The Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership conference on Education and African Futures 2019. Uganda Airlines (The national Carrier of the Republic of Uganda) was this year was re-birthed and  its operations across the African skies resumed. It has gathered momentum and the sky is only its foundation. We can only imagine what the experience was like for the crew and passengers on its maiden flight. Were they anxious the night before the flight across the beautiful Lake Victoria to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya? No words can sufficiently explain that entire experience but for the people on board that flight. This was the analogy that former Legislator  Leadership Consultant and Coach - Hon. Dr. Benson Obua Ogwal used when providing an overview of what transpired through the conference. He chaired the Seventh and final session of the just concluded Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership (CASTLE) THINK TANK Conference held at Mestil Hotel Kampala between 30th ad 31st October, 2019 under the theme: "Education and African Futures."

CASTLE in partnership with the Institute for National Transformation (INT) - a training platform for No-Excuse Leaders of Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence; in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports hosted an Inaugural two - day  conference attracting stakeholders in the Education Ecosystem to explore forecasts for Education on the Continent and possible pathways for strengthening the systematic management of education, and providing effective and inclusive teaching and learning on the continent to produce future-ready learners. It attracted Education and non-education experts and provided opportunity for dialogue and exchange to identify practical measures for meeting the needs and aspirations of Education Stakeholders: youth, Students, teachers, employers, workers, research institutions, universities, governments and civil society. 

The conference featured engaging plenary and break out sessions, panel discussions by experts, and exhibition of innovative education products and services. The case for the conference was a challenge identified by a world bank report released on 5th March, 2018 stated that Africa faces a "severe learning crisis" that undermines economic growth and well being of its citizens. This is against a backdrop of a fast changing world characterized by the velocity and volume of change generating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for educational systems worldwide. Nowhere has this rapid change been felt more than on the African Continent considering its rapidly growing population which is projected to continue doing so or the rest of this century. However, with the application of innovation to foresight, it is possible to turn this potential challenge into great opportunities. The conference program was designed, therefore, with this end result in mind

Day 1 of the Conference had an address by the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda - Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda who also officially opened the conference. In attendance was the Conference Host - First Lady and The Minister of Education and Sports Lady - Hon. Janet Museveni. The Prime Minister reiterated government's commitment for universal access to affordable and quality education that matches the needs of the society.

The Key note Address was delivered by Dr. Tom Rudmik, the founder of Master's Academy and College in Calgary Canada on the topic; "Transforming Education in Africa by 2030" with a key emphasis on, "Becoming Imaginable." His presentation took a case study approach which focused on work he is doing in his school to make his students "Future-ready." Their approach of Imaginal Education built upon Profound learning and Innovation is a stark contrast with the current system in Uganda. It proffers ownership of the learning experience to students shifting it from the Teacher. He makes a case for change of system when it is obsolete a mere improvement cannot make it relevant. He notes that 85% - 90% of system variation or performance is caused by the system, not the people. His approach goes beyond design thinking which only focuses on today's problems with today's knowledge. 

The Master's academy approach shifts the responsibility of discovering new knowledge to the  students with the Teacher facilitating and learning along with them. This phenomenon of imaginal leaders are those who analyse future opportunities and threats and use innovation tools to design possible solutions to those challenges. Dr. Tom notes that innovation is the number one competency needed to drive the future. He notes that it all starts with everybody acknowledging that we have a problem. Key stakeholders must wake up to the realization that Education is not just broken but obsolete. He critiqued the attempt to catch up with other nations on grounds that it is based on an unrealistic assumption that the nations Africa intends to catch up with are stagnant or rather not moving forward themselves. Dr. Tom stated that the end game for any education system is that the product becomes a functional or useful person in the economy. He noted that the answer for the future is not preparing more students for University but for their future roles in that environment. He noted that Rote learning focuses on test scores which hinder and limits learning and doesn't prepare students for the world of tomorrow. Then why haven't things changed? The quick option is to blame the Government, economy or somebody else in the system yet we all know better. He urged the participants to "SAY NO TO POWERLESSNESS." If the system is broken, then all that is needed is system improvement. However, an obsolete system needs transformation, not improvement. Imaginal leaders see and create the future. So how does one become an imaginal leader. They go beyond rendering something obsolete because saying something is obsolete does not make it so. However, they create something better and new. Imaginal leaders build prototypes, tools and systems that can scale the transformed system at a demonetized cost, with increased impact at a fraction of the cost of the current investment in an obsolete system. 

Dr. James Magara, the CASTLE Board Chairman and Co - founder of Vine International Christian Academy while presenting on the paper entitled: "Education and Africa 2063" noted Education is a process of Community life and work. He said Africans who lived over a century ago had an education that empowered them to live in the environment and the community of the time. They were predominantly Hunter-Gatherers and as such, the education equipped them with skills such as Ability to  stalk and locate prey; Ability to pursue what they hunted, deal he deadly blow by striking the target with maximum force and decisiveness; ability to gather the kill and bring the trophy home. 

Conversely, around that same time, Europe was undergoing the first Industrial Revolution from around 1765. Key economic activities included Coal mining, Textile industry, mechanized agriculture. Coal and steel were the main drivers of the first industrial revolution and Education was for a few. The second Industrial Revolution saw the rise in Electricity Generation; the Oil sector, line work assembly, automobile industry , planes, telegraph, telephones. The main drivers were Oil and Gas. It was also an era that gave rise to mass education but excellence was for a few. The third Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of nuclear energy, electronics, transistors, microprocessors, biotechnology, automation and nuclear energy. In all the above revolutions, Africa has majorly been a spectator. The  forth Industrial revolution has features like digitization, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Blockchain, 3D Printing, Autonomous vehicles, cloud computing to mention but a few. Africa has a unique chance to skip all other revolutions and get returns from wise investment into this revolution. What does Africa's future look like? Are we looking at the future with the eyes of the present? Is our education system preparing participants for this future world?  

In her Presentation entitled, " The current State of education on the continent," Ms. Alero Ayida - Otobo, the Founder of Incubator Africa and Co-Founder: Teach for Nigeria: Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT) and Imaginal Education Initiative (IEI) made a for the identity of Africa. "Who is Africa? What is our Identity? Is Africa what we say it is or what other people say we are?" She asked. She submitted that if we do not know who we are, there will be abuse. She noted that Africa is a blessed continent with various natural and mineral resources with a predominantly youthful population. This population is an asset greater than any natural or human resources considering that by 2100, 80% of the world's population will be living either in Africa or Asia as Africa's population will increase drastically. She submitted projections which show that 21 countries in the world have a high fertility rate with the average woman giving birth to 5 or more children. Of these, 19 are in Africa and the other 2 are in Asia. This, if not handled well, is likely to propound the dependence burden; increase inequality, inequity and injustice. Does our education system describe who we are, our identity, resources, and achievements? It is riddled with poor outcomes. We need an education system that encourages the rise in creatives like arts and entertainment; fashion and music given that current trends are not limited to formal education. The future belongs to the young people and they should actively participate in the conversation of creating the future they deserve. They are talented, innovative and smart. And yes, they will soon make up 90% of Africa's population

On his part, Mr. Alex Kakooza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports in his Presentation entitled, "Current state of Education in Uganda," detailed the main roles of government at the different levels of education in the country, mainly Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary (Lower and Upper), Tertiary and University level. He noted that the three pronged approach government took covered Access; Quality as well as Efficiency and Effectiveness

The increase in Access to education especially due to Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education enrollment. However, increased access has led to challenges on strain to quality. Some innovations piloted in select schools include "Early Grade Reading" which has increased interest of pupils in reading and comprehension skills as well as decreased the drop out rate. In regard to Tertiary Education, launch of SKILLING UGANDA  by H.E The President in 2012 was a great step in the right direction. There are ongoing efforts to market and interests young people to consider this as an alternative. In regard to Higher Education, Uganda has over 50 universities, 9 of which are Public. This shows that the issue of Access has greatly been addressed. The challenge left is of Quality. It is time to develop theories relevant to our situation emphasizing the training of learners in Higher education for the skills of tomorrow.  Effort must be put to encourage youth to enroll in Tertiary Vocational Educational Training Institutions (TVET). There are ongoing discussions with the Directorate of Industrial Training to accredit learners from these institutions and award them certificates on successful completion of their training. The quest for Modern Education needs not imply illiteracy is ignored. Reading, writing and numeracy open doors to other opportunities

Day 2 of the Conference featured various presentations and concluded with the Host - Minster of Education and Sports - First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni  officially closing the conference.

Dr. James Magara in his presentation, "The future of Education in light of changes in work and industry," premised his presentation on the Biblical wisdom book of Proverbs 27:12: "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precaution. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Looking into the future, he challenged the audience to imagine the implications of training people today to work in industries of the future at a time when there in increased inventions in robotics, artificial Intelligence and other technologies. Would there be work opportunities for such trainees? He quoted the Global Youth Survey 2018 which showed that 37% of working population is employed in the Private sector; 30% in the Non-profit sector; 19% in the Public sector; 9%  are elf employed; 3% i family business and 2% in others. He noted that education for the future requires work readiness with skills such as Literacy, Numeracy, Digital literacy, Self Presentation; and other Soft skills. He provided findings of a 10 year longitudinal study by Dr. George Land measuring the Creativity of subjects. The test results showed that 3-5 year old children had creativity of 98%; which dropped to 30% by the time they made 10 years; further declining to 12% by the time they are 15 years old and a dismal 2% by the time they are adults. The conclusions were that the school system obtaining is greatly damaging creativity yet the future is Creativity driven. He noted that new approaches that will soon become common include Personalized learning, Project based Learning, Student ownership of Learning; Data Interpretation, Practical field experiences, online learning to mention but a few.

Professor Vincent Anigbogou - the Director General of Institute for National Transformation in Lagos Nigeria made a presentation on a paper entitled, "Education for social change." He anchored his presentation on an in depth historic journey that Tertiary education has evolved from the First Generation Medieval era where focus of education was for desiring the Truth. The Teachers/Professors commented and discussed on a big range of topics but produced nothing. The Second Generation Hornsbold era where education was to discuss nature and culture. The Third generation now focuses on Education for social impact. Prof. Vincent encouraged participants to know who they are and when they undertake to engage, they should aim at 100% return on investment. He called on participants to engage fully through diligence and hard work pushing themselves to the limits.

Ms. Rose Izizinga, a Member of the Education Service Commission anchored her presentation on the topic: "Education Curricula in light of Global Changes." She analysed what pertains in Africa's education systems which is predominantly Teacher-centered using making an analysis of the period 1890 where the blackboard was a central part of the classroom to 2010 while classrooms in Modern economies have I-Pads. However, the blackboard is still a reality for the African economy. Ms. Rose views teachers as, "God's helpers in the art of creation." She noted that the cores skills of the 21st Century are Creating; Adapting; Communication; Information Literacy, to mention but an few and made a case that 21st Century Teaching and Learning should be based on Creativity and Imagination; Critical thinking and Problem solving. She noted that the 21st century learner should be self directed; a life long learner; visionary learner and creative. She noted that the 21st Century Curriculum should focus more on Inquiry-based learning while the 21st Century teacher should be an adapter, leader, good communicator and learner.

Mrs. Loy Muhwezi her presentation discussed the topic: "Skills education for African futures," where she passionately advocated for Promotion of skills for the African context in view of the challenges particularly the promotion of skills that address challenges obtain in Uganda or Africa at the moment. She also considered the African Union Agenda 2063' Aspiration 1 which she used to make the case that education system employed should be able to deliver efficient Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Combined, these are all important in preparing the African population appropriately for work. 

Dr. Jessica Aguti - The Director of the Institute for Open, Distance and e-Learning Makerere University made a presentation on the topic, "Trends in Distance Learning." She anchored her presentation on the facts that the growing global population is continuously piling pressure and demand for education with more challenges to its quality. Key issues and challenges for current education are Relevance; Quality; Access; Research and financing, among others. She noted that while school enrollments have gone up, transition rates are very low, Quality remains a challenge, and disparities remain. Some statistics she made mention of include: 57% of those who sat PLE ultimately sat Ordinary Secondary Level Education. 17% of those who sat PLE sat  Advanced Secondary level education of which only 11% eventually joined University and other tertiary institutions. What happened to all those that dropped out? This is a high wastage in the education system. Distance learning can therefore provide answers to Access; Equity and Cost Effectiveness.

Dr. Jessica showed through the trends in Distance learning which commenced with First Generation which was face to face which cherished high interaction between Teacher and student; to the Second Generation which was Distance learning albeit very costly; to the third generation which was Open learning  which cherishes high Correspondence; to the forth generation which is Electronic learning which is built around high technology. However, the future of Distance learning is 5th Generation called Blended or fusion learning which encompasses all positive aspects of the first four above while reducing on the negatives.Today, there are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by a variety of institutions offering greater opportunities for learners to personalize their learning experiences. These will go a long way in increasing access to and quality of tertiary education and address inequalities and inequities. There is urgent need to increase access to ICTs to facilitate Distance Learning. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Ms. Jackie Ochola, the Country Director of Andela - Uganda made a presentation on the topic: "Information and Communication Technology: Leapfrogging into African futures," where she defined ICT as a diverse set of Technology tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. She said some of the technologies going to drive the next decade include Artificial Intelligence; Internet of Things; Blockchain; Virtual Reality, Quantum Computing among others. She stated that ICTs offer Africa a unique opportunity to leapfrog into the future through for example unlocking productivity of Agriculture; Better resource management; Healthier and productive people and efficiency in governance. To be ICT ready for the future opportunities, we ought to universally digitalize; increased government support and viable systems. She noted that we live in the realm of possibilities  and she called upon us to dare to dream. Jackie emphasized the importance of coding which she said ought to be put along numeracy and literacy as basics skills right from a young age. She noted that coding is about solving problems 

Conference Keynote Speaker Dr. Tom Rudmik of Master's Academy, Calgary - Canada

Dr. Tom Rudmik returned on day 2 to make a presentation on the Topic: "A case for Transformation: The Journey into the future of education." He shared about the six habits of a Master learner which are: A Person of Character; Principle centered; Critical and creative thinker; Collaborative worker; Independent worker and Quality producer. He noted that while Integration and Improvement are important in managing the future; Invention and Innovation are critical for creating the future.

He noted that imaginal thinking involves: Seeing (Vision for the future); Learning (Developing new thinking); Creating (New system structure) all of which result into transformation. He cited the CIO Trend report 2017 which showed the major trends which included Digital platforms; and others. He noted that Future of education will shift to more personalization of the learning experience and compressing of the learning time. He noted the future learning will take a digital revolution; with Linear growth quickly replaced with exponential growth for sustained exponential impact at a fraction of the cost of investing in an obsolete system. Strategic partnerships is a very critical aspect for increasing impact of imaginal education. 

Hon. Dr. Benson Obua, who chaired the final session of the Conference likened the effect of the Rudmik brothers on the education system of Uganda to the effect the Wright Brothers had on aviation. The noted that this conference was CASTLE FLIGHT - 001 and its maiden flight had landed very smoothly. Quoting Margaret Mead, he said, "Never doubt that a few thoughtful and committed people can change the world. That is what matters." 

The Chairman of the Conference and Education Expert and Consultant - Professor Joseph Oonyu said, "We do not inherit this world from our ancestors but we borrow it from our children."

The Conference Host, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports - Hon. Janet Museveni in her closing remarks said having resources is not enough and Government is not ignorant of the challenges and inadequacies of the Education System. She said the seeds of transformation have been planted through the conference and subsequent activities of the think tank and they will germinate and bear fruit. She said her ministry looks forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the conference to guide on the way forward for education in the country.

Conclusively, Malcolm X said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
I believe the CASTLE Conference by and large has successfully started the discussion on the Future of Education in Africa which will go a long way in ensuring future-ready learners being obtained from education system. It was my honor to follow the conference proceedings while supporting the Time Keeping function of the event which on its own was an experience to remember. I thank you for your audience

Some of the participants at the Inaugural CASTLE Conference on Education and African Futures

WHY A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONFLICT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND PEACE SHOULD INTEREST YOU

Melting Glaciers over time

The Ugandan Newspaper Daily - New Vision, in it's 6th March, 2016 issue in a piece entitled. "Rwenzori Melting Glaciers worry environmentalists" reported that high melting rate of glaciers atop Mt. Rwenzori. Located in the Western part of Uganda, Rwenzori Mountain also known as the Mountains of the Moon are snow capped and a major tourist attraction. John Magezi, a researcher covered in the piece links the alarming rate of melting glaciers (glacial recession)  to Climate change especially to higher air temperatures and and less snow accumulation; warning that that some animals species on the mountain may face extinction as they had adapted to the cool climate but the climate is now changing. This is especially so considering that the percentage ice loss on Mt. Baker at 96%; followed by Mt. Speke at 91% and Mt. Stanley wit the lowest at 69%.



The impact of Climate Change on the Rwenzoris can better be understood by considering the role of the Tourism Industry to the nation. From  the Tourism sector Budget framework paper for Financial Year 2019/20, we gather that tourism continues to be a leading foreign exchange earner to the Ugandan economy generating USD 1,453 million compared to USD 1,371 million in 2016. It is no doubt that the tourists to the Rwenzoris make a major contribution to these amounts. Moreso fr the business revenues of many enterprises and community around the mountain that benefit from the regular hiking expeditions. The fast rate of melting of glaciers means the portion of tourists interested in hiking to see the snow-covered peaks and  other flora and fauna might reduce in the coming years significantly affecting not just the national economy in general but also the livelihoods of communities and enterprises that depend directly on tourism. 



The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13 focuses on "Climate Action." It notes that thee is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50% higher in 1990. Supporting vulnerable regions will directly contribute not only to Goal #13 but also to other SDGs. As of 2017, humans are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0 degrees Centigrade of global warming above pre-industrial levels. There is also an estimate that the energy sector alone will create around 18 million more jobs by 2030, focused specifically on sustainable energy

The Global Peace Index 2019 developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) which ranks 163 Independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness is the World’s leading measure of Global Peacefulness as it covers 99.7% of world’s population using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources and measures the state of peace using three thematic domains: Level of Societal Safety and Security; Extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the Degree of Militarization

It states that the effects of climate change pose a major challenge to peacefulness in the coming decade. Environmental risks of climate change and resource scarcity had the highest likelihood of and impact out of five risk categories including economic, geopolitical, societal, technological, and environmental threats, as estimated by World Economic Forum 

it further mentions that dealing with the negative trends of peacefulness becomes even more crucial when looking at the potential impact of climate change on peace. An estimated 971 million people live in areas with high or very high climate change exposure, of which 41% (400 million) reside in countries which already have low levels of peacefulness. The effects of climate change pose a major challenge to peacefulness in the coming decade especially on factors such as Resource Scarcity, Livelihood Security, and Displacement can greatly increase the risk of future violent conflict. 

It also mentions that Climate Change can indirectly increase the likelihood of violent conflict through its impacts on Resource availability, livelihood, security and migration. In order to address these challenges, there will be need for much greater cooperation both within and between countries. The IEP SDG 16+ report notes that extremely high temperatures in most of the places where people live with extreme lows at night at night. Available content shows that climate has played a role in triggering or exacerbating conflict through its effects on livelihood security and resource availability. 



The effects of climate change create resource scarcity and livelihood insecurity giving rise to localized conflict over common resources which can in turn put stress on different aspects of peacefulness such as GPI indicators of refugees and IDPs; Intensity of Organised Internal Conflict; and a number and duration of internal and external conflicts, while ease of access to small arms and light weapons can facilitate or exacerbate violent conflicts

Climate induced migration and resource scarcity are expected to create millions of climate refugees, driving up the number of refugees and IDPs and affecting relations with neighboring countries. Anthony Mwangi reporting about the impact of floods in Uganda on the site https://www.ifrc.org/ar/news-and-media/news-stories/africa/uganda/floods-continue-to-ravage-uganda/ sttes that as floods continue to ravage different parts of Uganda, a number of areas are experiencing severe effects of floods that have displaced up to 300,000 people. The Uganda Meteorological Department estimates that the above normal rains are expected to continue in the coming weeks in te country, with the North Eastern and Eastern parts of the country most affected. In recent times, heavy rains around the Mount Elgon region have resulted in mudslides that have wrecked havoc destroying life and property in their path downhill. Entire villages have been destroyed and livelihoods of many families destroyed. Those who survived such disasters have been forced to flee and in other instances government has had to resettle such communities in other areas.

While there has been considerable effort by the Government to implement mechanisms targeted to supported such afflicted communities, concerns still arise on issues relating to relationship of Internally Displaced People, Refugees, Hot Communities in relation to harmonious co-existence and sharing of scarce resources like Water. Such acts of nature, however horrible, greatly remind us of the powerful forces of nature and how efforts must be galvanized to protect it and its resources in a sustainable manner

This discussion has showed through that Climate Change is a reality of our times and that it is affecting us in many ways than meets the eye. It has also showed a correlation between climate change and peace showing potential for conflict. Countries, especially the third world with poor copying mechanisms to adverse effects of climate change are more likely to be adversely affected. As such, citizens and governments in such countries must take the lead in developing and implementing Climate-sensitive policies and practices in their way of life to curtail potential climate change disasters. Now is the time to plant more trees and reduce on the deforestation rate; adopt to modern farming methods that strive for environmental conservation; pursue Development with sustainability accompanying the planning and embracing the high growing population as a demographic dividend engaging them in environmental protection and conservation campaigns linked to improvement in their livelihoods, so that they are better motivated champions of the cause

I thank you 

AGENDA 2063: THE AFRICA WE WANT THROUGH DEEPENING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY-BASED MEDIATION

I, herein, make a case, through specific Literature reviews, and case studies for the relevance of deepening the impact of Community - Based Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building initiatives. I believe that the statistics and the case study can motivate continental policy makers and various stakeholders to consider the ADR approach to scale its application in different contexts in Uganda, East Africa and Africa due ti its clear evidence of impact. In so doing, the Aspiration #4 of Agenda 2063 will be achieved which is consistent with the United Nationsa Sustainable Development Goal Number #16

It is crucial to note that Conflicts are a phenomenon associated with an inevitable corollary of co-existence, in all societies, and to some extent are an inevitable and indeed necessary corollary of social change. They are an expression of tensions and incompatibles between different, mutually independent parties with regard to their respective needs, interests and values. They are liable to lead to crises, and destructive escalations affecting whole societies primarily during phases of profound socio-economic change and political transition. However, Conflicts are not the problem but the way in which they are managed and resolved (Eschborn 2002)

Agenda 2063: The Africa we want is rooted in Pan-Africanism and African-Renaissance, providing a robust framework of addressing past injustices and the realization that the 21st Century as the African Century. It has also been clearly stated that Agenda 2063 will not happen spontaneously but require conscious and deliberate efforts to nurture a transformative Leadership that will drive the agenda and defend Africa’s interests. Robert Kennedy said, “The future is not a gift: it is an achievement. Every generation helps make its own future. This is the essential challenge of the present.” My proposal herein is anchored in the Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 themed: a Peaceful and Secure Africa because of my belief that a peaceful Africa is a necessary and critical factor for the attainment of all other Aspirations of Agenda 2063. Aspiration 4 envisages that mechanisms for Peaceful and Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts will be functional at all Levels through promotion of Dialogue- centered conflict prevention and resolution actively promoted in such a way that by 2020, all guns will be silent. It further envisages a culture of peace and tolerance to to be nurtured in Africa’s children and youth through Peace Education

Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 corresponds with The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for Sustainable Development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. SDGs aim to reduce all forms of violence and propose that governments and communities find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Indeed, Africa has been a hotbed for disputes and conflicts taking different forms leading to loss of lives and property and inevitably causing immeasurable loss to the continent and its people. 

In the paper entitled: “The dividends of Peace: the Economics of Peace Keeping” by Harriet Hentges and Jean Marc Coicaud published in The Journal of International Affairs 2002, they noted that of the 54 Peace Keeping operations that the United Nations established between 1948 and 2000; 36 were after the year 1991 and were deployed worldwide as follows:

(a) Africa – 14 (b) Europe – 09 (c) Americas – 06 (d) Asia – 03

Alternative Dispute Resolution, according to the Wax Legal Dictionary refers to the method of resolving Disputes without litigation (going to court). It includes Early Natural Evaluation, Negotiation, Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. It is used in a wide range of case types including Juvenile felonies, Government negotiations, and it is also a significant method for resolving disputes amongst businessmen. The need for deepening Alternative Dispute Resolution need not to be under-estimated or over-emphasized. 

A consideration of the following data shows us why.

Dr. James Magara in his book: Positioning Africa for the 21st Century. The pivotal role of Leadership and think tanks notes the following statistics which should be a point of concern for African Governments starting on their journey to 2063 and other stakeholders who serve in Conflict/ Dispute Resolution services:

“The World Population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a United Nations report, World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision,published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Of specific interest to Africa, from 2017 to 2050, it is expected that half of the world’s population will be concentrated in just nine countries, five of which are in Africa: India, Nigeria, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, Uganda and Indonesia (Ordered by their expected contribution to total growth). Between 2017 and 2050, the populations of 26 African countries are projected to expand to at least double their current size. More than half of the anticipated growth in global population between now and 2050 is expected to occur in Africa. Of the additional 2.2 billion people who may be added between 2017 and 2050, 1.3 billion will be added in Africa. By 2050, 1.8 billion babies will be born in Africa; the continent’s population will double in size; and its under 18 population will increase by two thirds to reach almost 1 billion. Africa is the only region where the population is projected to keep increasing throughout the 21st Century.

Currently, there are 1.2 billion people on the continent, more than 5 times the population in 1950. By 2050, Africa’s population will double to 2.4 billion, eventually reaching 4.2 billion by the end of the century, just about the entire world population in 1977. Africa is not the first region in the world to undergo such a rapid population growth. America in the 19th Century, China and the Asian sub-continent in the first half of the 20th century also experience the same. The difference with the African experience is that growth is happening at a time of the most rapid global Socio - Economic and political changes ever and from a rural unskilled population base.

In addition to rapid population growth is the large scale migration to urban areas. By 2030, sixty percent of Africans will be living in cities, growing from 36 percent of the population in 2010. Africa’s population of potentially productive youth will be the highest in the world. The continent’s urbanization rate, the highest in the world can lead to economic growth and transformation, at par with or even better than the current trajectories of China and other East Asian countries. However, without transformation, it can steer further into increased inequality, urban poverty, the proliferation of slums, and even social chaos such as that of the “Arab spring.” 

African nations cannot afford to continue functioning as if they are isolated from the rest of the world; they are not. The days of the African village that is totally disconnected to the rest of the world are long gone. The rest of the world has come to Africa like never before”

The above observations of population statistics and trends by Dr. Magara show that pro-active measures of addressing conflicts are very necessary and urgently required by Africa to guarantee her transformation. Take Uganda alone as an example, Land related conflicts form a bulk of the case load in Ugandan courts. The Police Crime Report 2013 notes that 891 land fraud cases were reported and investigated compared to 616 in 2012 indicating a 30.8% increase. Cases reported to Police synonymous to land disputes or conflict include: Malicious Damage to Property; Criminal Trespass; and obtaining money by false pretense. The National Court Case Census Report 2015 done by a Committee Constituted by the Chief Justice - His Lordship Bart Katurebe and chaired by the Hon. Justice Peter Adonyo established that there were 114,809 cases pending from all courts of law in Uganda under the categories of Civil, Criminal, Land, family, etc. All this data points to the increasing need for Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms as an Alternative pathway to access to justice. Court case backlog. Court case backlog has serious implications for access to justice, Increase in crime especially Mob Justice and Malicious damage to property stretching to violent crimes such as murder

Advocate Dumisa Ndebesa, Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (as it then was), cited the relationship between access to Justice and the general levels of Community Development. He said Alternative Dispute Resolution frameworks should be designed for specific local and national level contexts and that it is increasingly understood that ADR is a critical pillar of good governance, given its roles in complementing formal legal systems particularly enhancing access to Justice in terms of cost and time.

The involvement of the Community in Dialogue-centered Mediation and Peace Building Initiatives pays very huge dividends in peace building . The approach involves employing Public Hearings where local, political, and religious leaders plus other stakeholders are involved in supporting disputing parties settle their issues amicably. For instance, many land disputes, locus interventions, are able to identify key issues for example distinguishing border disputes from land conflicts and addressing them as such. Those with border disputes, for instance, can be assisted to mutually agree on boundary marks. Those with land disputes can with sufficient guidance settle them amicably. Consent Agreements generated by parties in dispute can be translated into consent judgments that Courts of law or any other relevant institution can use to conclude a matter. They can even use these agreements to process land titles for their land and any other related transactions. 

Such approaches are yet to gain traction in Uganda and on the continent due to limited capacity. In areas which have benefited from our service have greatly transformed. Money that would have been spent pursuing a solution in court is put to productive ventures once the parties settle their disputes. The training of more Mediators and Peace Ambassadors right from the local level; partnering with Organisations Rotary International; Great Lakes Peace Center; Institute for Economics and Peace ( with their deep and elaborate peace research); all of whom, are also passionate about Conflict Resolution and Peace Building; Sensitization of masses on socio-economic advantages of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, can have a ripple effect when such interventions and activities are scaled to the East African and African (Continental) level. 

Conclusively, it has been said that,”There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” For a peaceful society with harmonious co-existence of its people, is a strong foundation for the continent's efforts to sustainable development. This is because if we Africans can afford to live together as brethren, we then agree to die together as fools. Therefore, Peace is the way for the Africa we want.

"THE ART OF WAR" - QUOTES FROM THE LEGENDARY CHINESE WAR GENERAL SUN TZU

Unlike my previous posts where I have been critiquing material that I have read, the approach I have taken for this one is to obtain inspirational and educative quotes from the Great Chinese War General - Sun Tzu, from this book title. I hope that the sharing from it will draw crucial lessons for personal life and organisational growth. As Sun Tzu said, the Art of War is of vital importance to the state. There are five factors that govern the Art of War and these include:

a) Moral law which causes people to be in complete accord with their ruler so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.

b) Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

c) Earth comprises of distances; great and small; danger and security; open grounds and narrow passes; chances of life and death.

d) The Commander stands for virtues of Wisdom, sincerity, benovelence, courage and strictness

e) Method and discipline are to be understood in the context of marshalling the army.

These five heads above must be familiar with every General. He who knows them will be very victorious and will not fail.  These should be the basis for deliberation and comparison when seeking to determine the military conditions obtaining.

The quotes derived include:

1." All warfare is based on deception. When able to attack; we must seem unable. When using our forces, we must seem inactive. When we are near, we must make the enemy believe that we are far away. When we are far away, we must make him believe that we are near."

2. "Hold out your baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder and crush him. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is superior in strength, evade him. If he is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united,separate them. Attack him when he is unprepared. Appear where you're not expected." These military devices , leading to victory must not be divulged before hand.

3. "The General who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The General who loses makes but a few calculations before hand. If many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations lead to defeat, how much more no calculation at all?"

4. "Though we have heard of stupid haste in war; cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays. There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare."

5. "Poverty from the state exchecquer causes an army to be maintained by contributions from a distance but this causes people to be impoverished."

5. "Proximity of an army causes prices t go up and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away."

6. " The wise General names a point of foraging on the enemy. Use conquered foe to augment one's own strength."

7. "In war, let your great object be victory; not lengthy campaigns."

8. "The best thing to do is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.  Capture but do not destroy the army."

9. ""The highest form of Generalship is the baulk of the enemy's plans; next best is  to prevent the junction of enemy's forces; next in order is to attack the enemy's army on the field and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities."

10. "The rule is: Don't besiege walled cities if it can be avoided. It is costly in terms of logistics. "

11. "The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them. With his forces intact, he will dissipate the mastery of the empire and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will complete."

12. "The rule in war is: a) If our forces are 10 to the enemy's 1, surround him. b) If 5 to 1, attack him. c) If twice as numerous, divide our army into two. If equally matched,  we can offer battle. If slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy. If quite unequal in everyway,  flee from him."

13. "The General is the bulwark of the state; if the bulwark is complete at all points, the state will be strong. If the bulwark is defective, the state will be weak."

14. "3 ways a ruler can bring misfortune on his army:  a) Commanding the army to advance or to retreat being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. (Hobbling the army.) b) Attempting to govern an army in the same way he administers a Kingdom; being ignorant of conditions which obtain in an army - this causes restlessness in soldiers' minds. Employing officers of his army without discrimination; through ignorance of military principle of adaptaion to circumstances, shakes soldier's confidence.

15.The five principles essential for victory are:
     a) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
     b) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
     c)  He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.
     d) He will win who prepared himself waits to take the enemy unprepared.
     e) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by Sovereignty.

16. "If you know the enemy and know yourself,  you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained,  you will also suffer a defeat.  If you know neither the enemy, nor yourself,  you will succumb in every battle."

17. Good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat and then waited for the opportunity of defeating the enemy."

18. "To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our hands. But the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. "

19. "A General who is skilled in defence hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; he who is skilled in attack flashes from the topmost heights of heaven. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking - a super-abunsance of strength."

20. "What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins but also excels in winning with ease. Win your battles by making no mistakes. It establishes a certainty of victory for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated."

21. "A skillful fighter puts himself in a position which makes defeat impossible and doesn't miss the moment for defeating the enemy."

22. "In war, a successful strategist only seeks battle after victory has been guaranteed whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory."

23.. "The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men. It is merely a question of dividing up their numbers."

24. "In all fighting; the direct method may be used for joining battle but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. Indirect methods, efficiently applied are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth;  unending as the flow of rivers and streams; like Sun and moon, they end but begin a new like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more."

25. "In battle,  there are not more than two methods of attack,  direct and indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to endless series of manoeuvres. "

26. "Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow,  decision to the releasing of the trigger. "

27. "The quality of a decision is like the well trained swoop of a falcon which enables it strike and destroy its victim. Therefore, good fighters will be terrible in his onset and prompt in his decision."

28. "Stimulated disorder postulates perfect discipline. Stimulated fear postulates courage. Stimulated weakness postulates strength."

29. "O Divine art of subtlety and secrecy; through you, we learn to be invisible; through you, inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands."

30. "The energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousand of feet in height. The clever combatant looks to effect combined energy and doesn't require too much from individuals., hence his his ability to pick out the right men and to utilise combined energy."

31. "Whenever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy,  will be fresh for the fight.; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy but doesn't allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him."

32. "Appear at point which the enemy must hasten to defend. March swiftly to places where you're not expected.  You can be sure of succeeding in your tasks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can be sure of safety of your defence of you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. That General is skillful in attack whose opponent doesn't know what to defend. He is skillful in defence whose opponent doesn't know what to attack. "

33.  "All men can see the tactics by which I conquer but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. Do  not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.."

34. "Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting . Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success."

35. "In war, the way is to, 'avoid what is strong,  and to attack what is weak. Military tactics are like into water; for water in its natural course runs away from the high places and hastens downward."

36. "The difficulty of tactical manoeuvring consists in turning devious into the direct and misfortune into gain."

37.  " Manoeuvring with an army is advantageous; with undisciplined multitude,  most dangerous."

38. "To be near the goal while the enemy is far from it; to wait at ease as the enemy is toiling and struggling; to be well fed while the enemy is famished - is the art of husbanding one's strength."

39. "To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners are in perfect order; to refrain from attacking on army drawn up in calm and confident array; - this is the art of studying circumstances. "

4o. "It is military axiom not to advance uphill against the enemy nor to oppose him when he comes downhill. Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight; do not attack soldiers whose temper is keen. Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy."

41. "Do not interfere with an army returning home. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe hard. Such is the art of warfare."

42. "When in a difficult country, do not encamp. In a country where high roads intersect, join hands with your allies. Do not linger in dangerously isolated positions. In hemmed-in situations, resort to stratagem. In desperate situations, you must fight. "

43. "There are roads which must not be followed; armies which must not be attacked; towns which must not be besieged; positions which must not be contested; commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed."

44.  "The General who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops while he who doesn't may be well acquainted with configuration of the country but won't be able to turn his knowledge to practical account."

45.  " In the wise leader's plans, therefore, consideration of advantages and disadvantages will be blended together. If our expectation of advantage be tampered with in this way; we may succeed in accomplishing the essential part of  our schemes. If on the other hand,  in the midst of the difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune. "

46. "The Art of War teaches us not to rely on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming but on our readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking;  but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable. "

47. "Reduce hostile  chiefs by inflicting damage on them; make trouble for them and keep them constantly engaged."

48. The five dangerous faults ruinous to the conduct of War and which may affect the General are:
      a) Recklessness which leads to destruction.The
      b) Cowardice which leads to capture.
      c) A hasty temper which can be provoked by insults.
      d) A delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame.
      e) Over solicitude for his men which exposes him to worry and trouble

49. "On the question of encamping the army and observing the signs of the enemy,
      a) Pass quickly over mountains
      b) Keep in the neighbourhood of the valleys
      c) Camp in high places facing the sun
      d) Do not climb heights in order to fight. It is so much for mountain warfare.
      e) After crossing a river, get far away from it. When an invading force crosses a river in its onward March, do not advance to meet it midstream. It will be best to let half the army to get across then deliver it across. If you are too anxious to fight,  you should not go to meet the invader near a river which he has to cross. Moor your craft higher up than the enemy; facing the sun.
      f) Do not move upstream to meet the enemy. That is so much for river warfare.
      e) In crossing salt marshes, your sole concern is to get over them without any delay. If forced to fight in a salt marsh,  you should have water and grass near you and get your back to a clump of trees. It's so much for operations in salt marshes.
      f) In a dry level country,  take up an easily accessible position with rising ground to your right and to your rear so that danger might be in front and safety lie behind. So much for campaigning in a flat country."

50. "While we keep away from such places, we must get the enemy to approach them. We should let the enemy have them on his rear."

51. "All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark"

52. "When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet, he is relying on the natural strength of his position. When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance.  If his place of encampment is easy of access,  he is tendering a bait. Movement among the trees shows that the enemy is advancing. "

53. "Appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means the enemy wants to make us suspicious. Rising of birds in flight is a sign of an amvuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming. When there is dust arising in high column, it is a sign of chariots advancing. When dust us low but spread over a wide area, it betokens the approach if an infantry. When it branches out into different directions,  it shows that theparties have been sent to collect firewood."

54. "Humble words and increased preparations at signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to attack are signs that he will retreat.

55. "When light chariots come out first and take up a position on the wings; it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot. Much runing about and soldiers falling into rank means the critical moment has come. When some are seen advancing and others retreating,  it is a lure."

56. "When soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint for want of food. If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves,  it means the army is suffering from thirst."

57. "If the enemy sees an advantage to be gained but makes no effort to secure it,  then it means the soldiers are exhausted."

58. "If there is disturbance in the camp,  the General's authority is weak. If banners and flags are shifted about,  sedition is a foot. If offices are angry,  the men are weary.."

59.  "When an army feeds its horses with grain, and kills its cattle for food,  and when men Do not hang their cooking pots over camp fires, showing that they will not return to their tents,  you may know that they are determined to fight to the death.  The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file"

60. "He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them."

61. "Too frequent rewards indicates that the enemy is at the end of his resources. Too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress. When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it's a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce."

62. "Soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory"

63. "If in training soldiers, commands are habitually enforced,  the army will be well disciplined. If not,  it's discipline will be bad."

64. "If the General shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed ; the gains will be mutual."

65. "Accessible terrain is ground that can be freely traversed by both sides. On this one, be before the enemy in occupying the raided and sunny spots and carefully guard your line of supplies.. then you will be able to fight with advantage."

66. "Entangling ground is that which is hard to reoccupy after its abandoned. If the enemy is unprepared; you may sail forth and defeat him. But if the enemy is prepared for your coming and you fail to defeat him, then return to being impossible; disaster will ensue."

67. "Trmporising ground is that on which neither side will gain by making the first move. In this ground,  even if the enemy offers an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth but rather to retreat thus enticing the enemy in his turn; when part of his army gas cone out; we may deliver our attack with advantage."

68. "Narrow passes are grounds you should occupy first, and strongly garrison and wait for the advent of the enemy. Should the enemy forestall you in occupying pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned."

69. "Precipotuous heights: If you are beforehand with your adversary,  you should occupy the raised and sunny spots and there wait for him to come up. If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him but retreat and try to entice him away."

70. "Position of great distance from the enemy: If the strength of the two armies is equal,  it is not easy to provoke a battle. Fighting will be to your disadvantage."

71. ""The six several calamities an army is exposed to but are not arising from natural causes are:
        a) Flight: Happens when I'd one force is hurled against another ten times its size, other factors remaining constant."
        b) Insurbordination when common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak.
        c) Collapse: When officers are too strong and common soldiers too weak.
        d) Ruin: results when higher officers are angry and insurbordinate and on meeting the enemy,  give the battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment; before Commander-in-Chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight.
        e) Disorganization: is as a result of the General being weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men and the ranks are formed in a haphazard manner.
        f) Rout: Happens when the General; unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one; or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one and neglects the place of the picked soldiers in the front rank.
These are the 6 ways of courting defeat which must be carefully noted by the General who has attained a responsible post.

72. "The natural formation  of a country is the soldier's best ally; but the power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory  and shrewdly calculating the difficulties,  the dangers and distances constitute the test of a Great General. He who knows these things and in fighting puts his knowledge to practice will win his battles. He who knows not nor practices them will surely be defeated. "

73. "If fighting is sure to result into victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it. If fighting will not result into victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler' s bidding."

74.  "The General who who advances without covering fame and retreats without fearing disgrace; whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service to his sovereign; is the jewel of the Kingdom."

75. "Regard your soldiers as your children and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as tour own beloved sons and they will stand by you even unto death."

76. "If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt. If you know heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete."

77.  "If, however, you're indulgent; but unable to make your authority felt, kind-hearted but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable; moreover, if quelling disorder;  then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children, they are useless for any practical purpose."

78. "The experienced soldier; once in motion, is never bewildered, and once he has broken camp; is never at a loss."

79. "The Art of War recognises nine varieties of ground:
         a) Dispersive ground is where a chieftain is fighting in his territory. In this ground,  do not fight. Inspire the army with unity of purpose"
         b) Facile ground is when a chieftain has penetrated into hostile territory but to no great distance. When in this ground, Halt not. See that there is close connection with all points in the army. "
         c) Contentious ground: Imports great advantage on either side. When here, attack not but hurry up your rear.
         d) Open ground: here, each side has liberty of movement. When here, do not try to block the enemy. Keep a vigilant eye on your defences.
         e) Ground of Intersecting highways forms the key to three contiguous states, so that he who occupies it has the most of the empire at his command. When here,  join hands with your allies. That is, consolidate your alliances."
         f) Serious Ground: When an army has protracted into the heart of a hostile country; leaving a number of fortified cities in its rear, this gives rise to serious ground. When you cone to it, gather in plunder and try to ensure a continuous stream of supplies."
         g) Difficult ground: This is one with mountains, forests,  rugged steeps, marshes and fens - All country that is hard to traverse. Keep steady on the March when on this ground and keep pushing on along the road."
         h) Hemmed in ground: is reached through narrow gorges,  and from which we can only retire by tortuous paths that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men. The enemy's stronghold is im the rear and narrow passes are infront. When on this ground, resort to stratagem. Block any way of retreat"
          i) Desperate ground: On thi sground, you can only be saved from destruction by fighting  without delay. On this ground, fight. Proclaim to the soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives."

80. "If asked how to cope with a Great host of the enemy in orderly array, and on the point if marching to attack,  I should say, "Begin by seizing somethingthat your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will."

81. "Rapidity is the essence of war; take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness,  make your way by unexpected routes and attack unguarded spots. "

82. "Principles to be observed by an invading force:
         a) The further you penetrate in a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops and thus the defenders will not prevail against you.
         b) Make forays in a fertile country in order to supply your army with food
         c) Carefully study the well being of your men and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength.
         d) Keep your army continually on the move and devise unfathomable plans.
         e) Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape; and they'll prefer death to flight. If they'll face death, there's nothing that they might not achieve. Officers when in desperate straits lose sense of fear.
         f) Prohibit taking of Omens and do away with superstitious doubt. Then, until death comes, no calamity need to be feared. "

83. "The Principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach."

84.  "A skillful tactician may be likened to a Shuai-jan. Now, the Shuai-jan is a snake found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head and you will be attacked by its tail. Strike at its tail and you will be attacked by its tail. Strike at its middle and you will be attacked by both head and tail. Asked if the army can be made to imitate the Shuai-jan, I should answer, YES. For the men of Wu and the men of Yùeh are enemies; yet if they are crossing the river in the same boat, and are caught by the storm; they'll come to each other's assistance just as the left hand assists the right."

85. "The skillful tactician conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man by the hand."

86. "Soldier's disposition offers an obstinate resistance when surrounded; fights hard when you can't help self and obeys promptly when he has fallen into danger."

87. "It's the business of the General to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy.: upright and just and thus maintain order."

88. " The General must be able to mystify his officers with false reports and appearances., and thus keep them in total ignorance. By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge.  By shifting his camp, and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. To muster his host and bring it to danger- thus may be termed the business of the General. "

89. "It is precisely when a host has fallen into harms way  that it is capable of striking a blow for victory."

90."Be stern in the council chamber that you may control the situation."

91. "Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose."

92. " Persist in hanging on the enemy's flank and you'll succeed in the long run in killing the Commander in Chief"

93. " If the enemy leaves a door open,  you must rush in. First exhibit the coyness of maiden until the enemy gives you an opening. Afterwards,  emulate the rapidity of a running hare and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you."

94. " To carry out an attack with fire, have means available. Material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness.. Very dry season is proper season for making attacks with fire.

95.  "When fire breaks out inside the enemy's camp, respond at once with an attack from without. If there's an outbreak of fire but the enemy's soldiers remain quiet, bide your fire,  do not attack. When the flames have reached their height, follow it up with an attack if that is practical. If not, stay where you are."

96. "If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out from within. Deliver your attack at a favourable moment. When you start a fire, be to the windward of it. Do not attack from the Lee ward. A wind that arises in daytime lasts long but a night breeze soon fall's."

97. "Those who use fire as an aid to the attack show intelligence. Those who use water as an aid to the attack gain an accession of strength. By means of water,  an enemy may be intercepted but not robbed of all his belongings."

98. "Unhappy is the fate of one who teiwa to win all his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating a spirit of enterprise; for the result is a waste of time and General stagnation. The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead. The good General cultivates his resources."

99. "Move not unless you see an advantage. Use not your troupes unless there is something to be gained. Fight not unless the position is critical. If it is to your advantage, make the forward move. If not,  stay where you are."

100. "Anger may in time change to gladness. Vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being. The dead can never be brought back to life. Therefore,  the enlightened ruler is heedful,  the good General is full of caution. This is the way to keep the country at peace and an army intact."

101. "What enables the wise, sovereign and good General to strike and conquer and achieve things beyond reach is foreknowledge. This foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits. It cannot be obtained from experience and not by any deductive calculations."

102. "Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men, hence the use of spies."

103."  The five classes of spies are:
        a) Local spies: When you employ the services of inhabitants of district.
        b) Inward spies: When you make use of the enemy's officials."
        c) Converted spies: When you get hold of enemy's spies and use them for your own purposes.
        d) Converted spies: These do certain things openly for purposes of deception while allowing our own spies know them and report them to the enemy.
        e) Surviving spies bring back news from the enemy's camp.
When all these five kinds if spies are all at work, none can discover the secret system. It is called, "The divine manipulation of threads." It us the Sovereigns most precious faculty.

101. "It is that with none in the whole army are more intimate relations to be maintained than with spies. None should be more liberally rewarded. In no other business should greater secrecy be preserved. Spies are the most important element in war because on them,  depends an army's ability to move. Spies cannot be usefully managed without a certain intuitive capacity. They cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.  Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth if their reports. Be subtle,  be subtle and use your spies for every kind if business."

102. "Enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out and tempted with bribes, led away and comfortable housed.  If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy before the time is ripe, he must be put to death together with the man to whom the secret was told."

103. "It is through information brought by the converted spy that we are able to squire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false findings to the enemy. It is by his information that the surviving spy can be used and appointed on occasion."

104. "The end and aim of spying in all its fine varieties is knowledge of the enemy. His knowledge can be derived in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence, it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality. "

Although the definition of War,  as it was in the days of Old, where the Great Generals like Sun Tzu fought and then philosophized or even vice versa, have since greatly changed, many of the principles still apply today. The compilation of these quotes, it is hoped, will add value to the personal and societal battles being fought in our current society. I, thus commend it for your mental nutrition



Peter Katuramu is passionate about Serving Society in a bid to cause community transformation. A seasoned book critique,  Peter e is an Oak Seed Alumnus of the Institute for National Transformation,  Uganda. He is also a member of the Rotaract Club of Hoima Kitara which is proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hoima Kitara.  For the year 2017/18, he is serving as the Club  Administrator. By classification, he is an Industrial and Organisational Psychologist with expertise in Human Resources Management,  Human Resources Development,  Organisational Development, Research, Training and Development.
+256701291315
ptrkaturamu@gmail.com.
P.O. Box 19, Hoima, Uganda
East Africa

THE MENTALITY OF JACOB AND HIS DESCENDANTS, ISRAEL: DRAWING THE RELEVANCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRESENT DAY EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

BASED  ON THE BIBLICAL STORY OF JACOB DEPARTING FROM LABAN -GENESIS 30: 25 (NLT)

It is citical that the context of this lecture is understood well before the principles are drawn and that is why starting with the Biblical narrative is very necessary.

THE TEXT

"Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, "Please release me so I can go home to my own country. Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them by serving you, and Let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you."

"Please listen to me," Laban replied. "I have become wealthy, for the LORD has blessed me because of you. Tell me how much I ow e you. Whatever it is, I'll pay for it."

Jacob replied, "You know how hard I've worked for you, and how your flocks have grown under my care. You had little indeed before I came, but your wealth has increased enormously. The LORD has blessed you through everything i have done. But now, What about me? When can I start providing for my family?" 

"What wages do you want?"Laban asked again.

Jacob replied, " Don't give me anything. Just do this one thing, and I'll continue to tend and watch over your flocks. Let me inspect your flocks today and remove all the sheep ad goats that are speckled or spotted, along with all the black sheep. Give these to me as my wages. In the future, when you check the animals you have given me as my wages, you'll see that I have been honest. If you find in my flock, any goats without speckles or spots, or any sheep that are not black, you will know that I have stolen from you."

"All right," Laban replied, "It will be as you say." But that very day, Laban went out and removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted or had white patches, and all the vlack sheep. He placed them in the care of his own sons, who took them on a three days journey from where Jacob was. Mean while, Jacob stayed and cared for the rest of Laban's flock.

Then Jacob took some fresh branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and peeled off strips of bark, making white streaks on them. Then he placed these peeled branches in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, for that is where they mated. And when they  mated in front of the white-streaked branches, they gave birth to young that were streaked, speckled and spotted. Jacob separated those lambs from Laban's flock. And at mating time, he tuned the flock to face Laban's animals that were streaked or black. This is how he built his own flock instead of increasing Laban's.

Whenever the stronger females were ready to mate, Jacob would place the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of them. Then they would mate in front of the branches. But he did not d this with the weaker ones, so the weaker ones belonged to Laban and the stronger ones were Jacob's. As a result, Jacob became very wealthy, with large flocks of sheep and goats, female and male servants, and many camels and donkeys.

CHAPTER 31

"But Jacob soon learned that Laban's sons were grumbling about him. "Jacob has robbed our Father of everything!" they said. "He has gained all his wealth at our Father's expense." And Jacob begun to notice a change in Laban's attitude towards him.

Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the Land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there and I will be with you."

So Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field where he was watching his flock. He said to them, "I have noticed that your father's attitude towards me has changed. But the God of my father has been with me. You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. For he said, "The speckled animals will be your wages, " the whole flock began to produce speckled young. And when he changed his mind and said, " The stripped animals will be your wages, " then the whole flock produced striped young. In this way, God has taken your father's animals and given them to me.

"One time during the mating season, I had a dream and saw the male goats mating with the females that were streaked, speckled and spotted. Then in my dream, the angel of God said to me, "Jacob!" And I replied, "Yes here I am."

The angel said, " Look up, and you will see that only the steaked, speckled, and spotted males are mating with the females of your flock. For I have seen how Laban has treated you. I am the God who appeared to you at Bethel, the place where you anointed the pillar of stone and made your vow to me. Now get ready and leave this country and return to the land of your birth."

Rachel and Leah responded, "That's fine with us! We won't inherit any of our father's wealth anyway. He has reduced our rights to those of foreign women. And after he sold us, he wasted the money you paid him for us. All the wealth that God has given you from our father legally belongs to us and our children. So go ahead and do whatever God has told you to do."

LESSONS AND PRINCIPLES

a) It is critical to transition from a "consumer" mindset which is comfortable to the "producer" mindset which demands hardwork.

When Jacob asked his employment relationship with Laban to be concluded, he was just implementing a simple principle, thus, "When you stop being a consumer and you go on to producing, terms of engagement change." For Africa in general and Uganda in particular to transform, we must be willing to transform our desires from those that consume other people's finished works to producing our own. We import all sorts of finished products and yet export a few. Although he had long been comfortable with good wages from Laban, Jacob made a critical mindset shift when he decided to join the ranks of a producer and leave the comfort of a consumer.

b) Freedom is demanded by those who have exhibited faithfulness.

While giving approval to Jacob's decision to leave, Laban made the exit conditions difficult.  It is important to note that, "Freedom is never given, It is taken." In fact, it is demanded. However, you do not and must not demand freedom until you have been faithful where you are. It is through your faithfulness that you will create your capacity(skills) and networks to help you when you launch out. Be faithful with the skills you have and it shall be the lauchpad that God will use when you take the bold step to launch out on your own.

In our society today, there are many people who desire to short circuit or leap frog their way to success and good performance. They are not interested in going through the process of learning the processes, procedures and principles required to move them to and sustain them at the top. Many people are also guilty of desiring new responsibilities without giving an account of their stewardship at previous postings of responsibiliy. As long as they can pay their way up the ladder, it doesn't matter. This is wrong. The principle from the story of Jacob tells us that the only people with a right to demand freedom are those who have been faithful or who have a track record of faithfulnes at their previous posting. Anything short of this spells inadequacy or incompetency.

c) Faithful employees are not let go easily.

There is an advantage of keeping good and faithful employees. No employer celebrates when a good and faithful employee leaves. Employers like Laban, are willing to give productive and faithful employees any perks or blank cheques as long as they stay. No wonder when they are asked, "Just mention, what do you want?" For many people, this would be an opportunity to ask a "fat" salary, cars, mansions or whatever it is that they deem valuable to them.

At World stage, in many Internatonal conferences and meetings, representatives of many African nations are comfortably negotiating for more salaries, cars, aid and all sorts of "petty comforts" while Africa is rotting away. It is also a shame when people sell their children, sisters, brothers, friends, etc into prostitution and all sorts of enslavement just for petty conveniences.  This is the Laban mindset which causes people to view their chldren and relatves as commodities to meet their selfsh ends. For the transformation of the Cradle of man, this must stop and we must create an environment where every person of age can produce, add value to their work and lobby for market for their products. This is how we can now speak of free trade.

When Jacob was asked to name his price, he declined and instead asked Laban for a new contractual relationship where both are Patners instead of the former arrangement where one was inferior to the other. For as long as Africa negotiates from a standpoint of "Weakness" and not strength or patnership, then others will, always perceive us as slaves and treat us as so.

d) Achieving your destiny requires risk.

Jacob had a destiny. Destiny has to do with purpose. He understood that the time he was living in required a transition. That is why he had to leave Laban's work place. The birth of Joseph signalled to him that the time for hanging onto the convenience of a salary and perks was over. It was transition time from consumerism mentality to production. Little wonder that the name Joseph means "God has removed my distress... May the LORD add yet another son to my family." 

It is critical that Africa and specifically Uganda undestands what time it is for her otherwise, Jesus will weep over us like he did over Jerusalem because they did not understand the time of their visitation (Luke 13:34). The ignorance of the church is responsible for the enslavement of Africa. We must transition from the mentality of waiting on "more aid and grants" and move to our destiny where we speak to others like partners. This is especially so because Africa has much more than what others out there have. No other place on earth is as resource endowed as Africa. We must break free from the "slavery" mentality" and replace it with the "Jacob mentality." This is our destiny but it is risky business. We do well to remember that like Jacob,
"CHANGE AGENTS ARE GALLANT RISK TAKERS." Leaving a secure job and go on your own yet you have a  family to look after is a great risk.

e) Case for a paradigm shift:

Jacob had to make a critical paradigm shift especially in his attitude. The way in which he viewed Laban and how he viewed the work he did had to change although Laban and the animals didn't change per se. Jacob's mental picture of the environment had to change if he was to make a critical shift from consuming to production. For example, He had to mentally elevate himself and see himself as a potential partner in the franchise of Laban. He had to view himself as an equal to Laban in all things for them to partner. This involved hardwork. If Laban had a PhD, Jacob had to elevate his reasoning to that level or beyond. Jacob had to specialize his skillset in order to maintain a competitive as well as a comparative advantage over Laban and his sons. This would guarantee him a market. To arive at this, he had to transition his mental attitude to

"MY SEASON OF EARNING SALARY IS OVER. I AM ENTERING A NEW DESTINY. FROM NOW ON, IT IS NOLONGER A MASTER-SERVANT RELATIONSHIP BUT A PARTNERSHIP. Mr LABAN SIR, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, CASE CLOSED.
Africa needs to have a mental shift like Jacob did if we are going to see transformation on our continent. Shall sons and daughters of man's craddle rise to the ocassion and break the continent free from the spirit of servanthood to make way for our uniquenness as Africa using a new thought pattern?

f) New contractual Arrangements

Jacob told Laban that if he desired to have any business relationaship going forward, it was to be on a new arrangement. The old arrangement of wages was done away with, the new contract was to deal with a seed. That is, loan me your spotted sheep and goats. In otherwords, in the patnership arena, "I give you what I have that you need, in exchange for what you have that I need."

This is a mindset that will create new Africa. We should stop the habit of accepting pennies in exchange of our resources(both human and other natural resources). We need to rise to the ocassion and start negotiating favorably with what we have in order to get what we need. We must put in place and support structures that show strengthen our credibility and faithfulness. In so doing, we shall be able to adopt Jacob's mindset who said to Laban and I paraphrase, "I will keep your flock on a NEW CONTRACT.  If you want me to do a business with you, I do not want wages but a seed. Loan me your spotted sheep and lamb."

In your former employment or aid-dependent relationship, you developed expertise required for the new journey. Like Jacob, you shall be able to say, "My righteousness (expertise) will answer for me in time to come." Righteousness in this case can be expanded to refer to my faithfulness, ability, skills, and my knowledge will answer for me. However, it should never be a bitter end of the former relationship. When announcing our transition to a former employer, we should do it in a manner similar to this, "Thank you for the privilege, education. I feel it is time to move on to new challenges."

g) Invitation to son-ship

In the heat of difficulty and hardship, servants take to flight, sons fight and contend. For example, When Moses became of age, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh. He preferred to identify with his own countrymen in slavery. Sons take charge of the future while Children depend on others to feed them. For Jacob, the Father-child relationship that he had with Laban had to give way for Jacob to contend with a new spirit and heart of a Son and not the timid soul of a slave. His was a lneage of men of faith and as a son to Isaac and Grandson to Abraham, it was only a matter of time before he could rise up and take responsiblity of a true son. He discussed his new wages in light of his faithullness to his work and not to the apparent "glitter" of the blank cheque and perks before him. Can your previous assignments speak of your credibility and fathfulness? The nations of Africa need to realize that although Israel is commonly referred to as "God's first born," they too are sons waiting to be born. The patriachs of Israel give us a blue print of how this happens. We must desire to create a record, a legacy and a standard that can speak for us wherever we go. We, like Jacob, must be glad to refer to it. The Headmaster of the High school I attended once told us, over morning assembly, "If no one else is willing to blow your trumpet, take it and blow it as loud as you can."

h) Hardship is often breeding ground for invention and innovation.

Laban removed everything that Jacob asked for and gave them to his sons. All the animals Jacob had asked as start-up capital were taken by Laban's sons.  Laban separated Jacob's request from him within a three days journey. Laban's challenge to Jacob was simply thus and I paraphrase, "Let us see how you will survive without me."  Is that not wickedness?

Today, there are many employers, who for want of their employees' stagnation deny them their wages and benefits. At nation level, countries which demonstrate a given level of ability to cater for their own needs are given all sorts of names by the so called "world powers." Many are thrown into civil unrest and thousands of their citizens are killed and dsplaced.  In this mess, their assets in foreign institutions are stolen in the name of "freezing assets" and as their citizens kill each other in the ensuing political contestations, these "world powers" siphon out their resources at very cheap prices or even worse, at no cost at all. This is typical of the Laban mentality which benefits from the pain of others with no willingness to making a fair compensation or reward. To Britain, which colonised a large chunk of Afirca, Africa is still a child that needs them for nurturing. Independence was just a change of slogan to, "Yes you are a brother, but you are not a man."

There is no doubt that Laban stole in order to put Jacob at a disadvantage. However, this did not dissuade Jacob. NOW THAT THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Jacob saw this as an opportunity to invent and innovate. He got Almond trees. He crafted the spotted and speckle on a tree back since Laban took them away. The initial arangement was that the animals given to him as a loan would reproduce after their kind. Now that Laban had given them to his sons, Jacob had two options. Either to mourn his loss and use it as an excuse why he did not progress or to innovate his way out of the dilema. The former is appealing to many people and nations. For people, they stay at the same post in life because dynamics in the environment changed significantly and put them at a disadvantage. They have scars, and all sorts of evidence to show any avaliable sympathisers. Many nations of Africa, too are ready to show the scars of slave trade, colonialism, coruption and all sorts of excuses to explain why they have never transitioned to modern economies after many years of their independence.

The example of Jacob tells us that innovation is a better way. In their book Start - up Nations: The story of Israel's Economic Miracle, Dan Senor and Saul Singer note that Israel, having realized that their nation was founded near very hostile neighbours who slapped all sorts of economic sanctions against them, did not sit back and sulk. They innovated ways how to survive and prosper in such a region which had a hostile climate and equally hostile climate. To date, they are among the countries with the highest export volumes for fruits and other agricultural products. In the same book, Shimon Peres wrote that, "The seeds of a new Israel grew from the imagination of an exiled people. We have to create ourselves anew and discover the riches of scarcity. The only capital at our disposal was human capital. Kibbutz became an incubator and the farmer a scientist. They are also a technology hub albeit the hostile neighbors it has had to bear with various wars it has had to fight...
Agriculture in Israel is 95% sciebce and 5% work."

Jacob too, also had to innovate ways of using what he had(Laban's flock) to get what he desired (His own flock). It involved a lot of hard work. He had to study Laban's animals, know when they mate, and move the poplar sticks to a position where they could be seen by the mating animals. In case they mated at night, Jacob had to leave the comfort of his bed, and keep watching to make sure that they mate while looking at the sticks. In case, when mating, they turned their backs to the sticks, Jacob had to move the sticks to a new location where they could see them. In case the animals ran away from the watering area to mate from another place, Jacob had to chase after them and bring them back. As their number grew, so did such and many other challenges multiply.  Hardwork was a citcal part of Jacob's life in his new role as Enterpreneur. It affected not just his pay but his family relationships. Imagine leaving your wife and children at mid-night to go and catch up with animals probably matin! He had to anticipate where the animals would be mating so that he set the poplar for them to see.

ARE YOU A NO-EXCUSE LEADER? IN THIS SEASON, AFRICA EITHER FOOLS ITSELF OR GETS TO DO WHATEVER WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO.

i) Results are worth it:

In spite of the challenges, the life of Jacob shows that the results were worth the hardword and the sacrifice. I quote, " As a result, Jacob became very wealthy, with large flocks of sheep and goats, female and male servants, and many camels and donkeys." This was earned through hardwork. Jacobs application of these principles saw him out - compete Laban. In fact, because of Jacob's resilience, hardwork and committment to his destiny, he was able to attract God's liking and support. It is why in Chapter 31:12 God spoke to him and gave him a revelation. This is what encouraged Jacob to work even harder.

In light of this, I believe that God has many ideas to reveal to Africa and I believe he actually reveals them. The problem is that there are only a handful of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make those ideas work, like Jacob did.

Shall you be the man or woman who stands out to be the difference for the sake of Africa?

For God and my Country

God bless the Pearl of Africa. God bless the cradle of man.

By Peter Katuramu

Peter Katuramu is an Oak Seed and Vice President of Class 17, INT Uganda

peter.katuramu@yahoo.com

Much of what is shared in this article is extracted from a lecture given by Professor Vincent Anigbogu, The Director General of Institute for National Transformation(INT) International at the 3rd Biennial INT Conference held at Silver Springs Hotel, Kampala - Uganda from 2nd to 6th November, 2015.

"INT is not just a training institution, It is a Transformational institution that nurtures no - excuse leaders of Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence who will play an active role in leading their families, organizations, communities, nations and Africa to their highest level of performance and achievement in God."

For more visit www.intuganda.com