Blogs and Stories
The Audacity of Hope—in Africa
A traveler landed in Entebbe two days after the U.S. election to find a country electrified over Obama. His account in words and pictures.
I landed at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on November 6, two days after the first African-American was elected president of the United States. The mood was one of unparalleled optimism. Every stop at traffic lights on the drive from the airport home was met by jubilant newspaper sellers, proudly showing us the front pages, pointing excitedly to photos of Obama.
The overall feeling in the country seems to be one of optimism. “Obama will help us. He will give money to us in Africa.”
The normal chant we hear of “Muzungu muzungu” has temporarily been replaced by “Obama! Obama! What do you think of Obama, my American friends?” The Ugandans make a point of telling us we are all one people and that the whole world is one nation. Now we have something that binds us together even stronger. It seems the whole African continent is united in its delight for the new president.
The markets of Kampala have been taken over with Obama-mania. His photo is everywhere – on posters, badges, stickers. You can buy framed photos of the new first family. Some motorcycle taxi drivers proudly fly the star spangled banner in place of the Ugandan flag which normally adorns their wing-mirror.
It’s impossible to avoid the Obama merchandise in the city center. Hundreds of salesmen have seized the chance to make a few extra shillings. One particularly excited man told me, “I love Obama as if he is a woman. I would marry him if he was a woman.”
The phrase “to be like Obama” is already creeping into everyday use. Today I helped a woman by offering her some advice for her tailoring business. “Eh, you are like Obama. Thank you for helping me,” was her way of showing her appreciation. Right now, it’s a lovely compliment to receive.
The overall feeling in the country seems to be one of optimism. “Obama will help us. He will give money to us in Africa.” There is an overwhelming sense of pride. Finally, a black man has been elected president of America and they feel that change is coming.
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Benjamin Sarlin is a reporter for The Daily Beast. He previously covered New York City politics for The New York Sun and has worked for talkingpointsmemo.com.
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