It is an interesting phenomenon - this Ugandan Bloggers Happy Hour. In how many African capitols do people get together for a few hours on the last Thursday night every month for a beer and a chat? Just because they blog. Or as someone said to me last night; 'I'm here because I read blogs', which I find just as good a reason.
Jackfruity asks today 'for those of you who blog under your real names (Baz, Pernille and Dennis come to mind), do you ever worry about the effect blogging may have on your personal life?'. - Good question. I think I rely very much on the Danish freedom of speech (notoriously know from the Muhammed cartoons) when I write about general stuff.
Originally, I wanted to blog seriously and deep down to the point about the personal side of being a Danish development worker, I always missed the personal approach and political incorrect view on development work in Africa. However, in spite I often take it to the edge, I realised there is a lot I simply can't say. Firstly, because it would be too internal (boring to the majority), and secondly because it would compromise the people I work with and the organisation I work for.
There are quite a few topics I would like to be able to write more personally about - i.e. the frequently asked questions I constantly get regarding how I cope as a single woman in northern Uganda concerning sex (!!); or what exactly I am doing to get my next job. (Believe me the answers are not going together). I am afraid it would compromise myself to an extent I wouldn't like to chair. Hence, I also realised it is necessary to state that whatever I blog is on my own account, not the organisation I work or the people I work with.
I think the UBBH is quite unique. For me personally - I prefer that there is more to it than just the chatting and drinking beers. And I think it is gradually coming. But maybe it could be facilitated a bit more, excuse me for bringing my development worker background into this - but maybe we could exchange more technical ideas on blogging (writing, technical stuff, photography)?
I believe the UBHH has inspired more people in Uganda to blog. I also think that the mix of waungu expats and the local Ugandans have generated inspiration and discussion which might enhance the quality and range of blogging in a Ugandan context. It has definitely created a network which has a life outside cyberspace.
I have learned a lot. For one thing I have seen that Ugandans express themselves directly. Ugandans observe and comment on things I had no clue about, but which has helped me understand Uganda. I believe there is a huge potential - information- and influencewise to integrate blogging in development work. On the other side I think my observations feed the other way back. I get a lot of reactions on the fact that I travel and live in a 'no-go-area', which even Ugandans no little of. Many have noticed Willy Akena's blogging in Gulu, and I hope we can inspire more Ugandans to blog from these areas to give first hand information.
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