A scene from State of The Nation, which is ongoing in Kampala. Picture: Morgan Mbaabazi
What you need to know:
The three-hour play opened at the National Theatre in Kampala on October 12, and culminates in a VIP show on October 28.
It was written and directed by John Ssegawa and Charles James Senkubuge in 2010.
The ongoing show has been revised to depict Uganda’s 50 years of Independence marked on October 9.
THE play State of The Nation (Kku Ggirikit), currently showing at the National Theatre in Kampala analyses Uganda’s troubled political, economic and social history over the past 50 years.
Using music, dance and drama, Bakayimbira Dramactors and Afri Talents depict the hope, promise, disappointment which is a reflection of state today.
The play is set in Luweero District — the bedrock of the National Resistance Army bush war — where families and friends join the struggle after their loved ones are killed, and daughters raped.
They liberate the country and install leaders but disenting views threaten to derail their newly-found peace. A sense of hopelessness becomes evident The disappointed masses accuse their leaders of trying to turn the country into a dynasty as it appears, only the fittest and well connected survive.
The play, acted in Luganda, English and Kiswahili centres on the themes of intolerance, violent crime, impunity and corruption that are endemic in Uganda.
It revolves around four main characters Ddungu (Charles James Senkubuge), Kikapu (Philip Luswata), General Ntulume (Abby Mukiibi) and Suubi (Laura Kahunde). Others are Benon Kibuuka, John Ssegawa, Sam Okelo, Bwanika Ssensuwa, Leira Kalanzi and Ruth Kalibbala.
Through these charcters, the sense of despair is evident. Ddungu, who co-wrote the play for example, is among leaders who fell out with the regime, having lost faith in it. Despite the fight he put up to liberate his people, he is imprisoned.
Kikapu, an intelligent, vocal but stubborn man on the other hand is an army veteran who is just a call away if they decide to take him back. But having lost all hope, he buries his sorrows in alcohol.
He wonders why he had to wait many years — just before his retirement — for a promotion from the rank of Warrant Officer One to Major.
Suubi, on the other hand, represents the children of the revolution — whose hopes and dreams are linked to the availability of money. They will do anything for money without any sense of morals and integrity.
As to what inspired Ssegawa and Senkubuge to write the play, the former said: “We wanted to join the political discussion by reminding the people of their cause — the ideologies that forced them to join the revolution. Have they realised their dreams?”
According to Ssegawa the message of the play is: “We have gone through a lot as a country and while we may have fallen short, it’s never late to steady the ship; it’s never late to realise our mistakes and rectify the situation.”
He adds that politicians may be selfish but the citizens should never get tired of reminding them of what is right for this country as it is their obligation.
So is he celebrating Uganda’s Independence Golden Jubilee: “I am not celebrating,” says Ssegawa. “We should reflect and hold national dialogue with all stake holders, and forge a way forward by reflecting on the past. While individually looking into ourselves and asking have I done what is required of me? If not, then how do you steady the ship?”
