Written by Gina Cielo
Andrew M. Mwenda, Ugandan journalist and founder of Uganda’s first uncensored newspaper, “The Independent,” spoke about the dangers of foreign aid to African development Sept. 30 in the Heritage Auditorium as part of the L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series.
Mwenda is a longtime advocate of economic empowerment and free speech throughout Africa. He has been honored with the International Press Freedom Award and named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of 2009’s top global thinkers.
He has made appearances on CNN, BBC and the global stage at the TED conference in Arusha, Tanzania in June 2007. He was also host of “Andrew Mwenda Live,” one of the most popular prime time radio talk shows in Uganda.
Mwenda currently manages “The Independent,” Uganda’s premier current affairs news magazine and one of the major mainstream news organizations in East Africa.
The L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series chose to bring Mwenda to Harding because of the school’s strong ties to Africa and the students’ desire to hear someone speak about development in the global south, according to senior Kelsey Sherrod, student coordinator of the L.C.Sears.
Sherrod said she originally thought Mwenda would already be in the United States, but after many e-mails, she found out he would be flying across the ocean just to talk to Harding students.
“It is a testament to how dedicated he is to this cause of raising awareness for a better method of development that he decided to come all the way to Arkansas from Uganda,” Sherrod said.
In his presentation, Mwenda addressed African development, economic empowerment and the dangers of foreign aid. Mwenda told students about the media’s misrepresentation of Africa and how many of their claims do not do justice to the country.
He also discussed foreign aid and how ineffective it often is to the country. According to Mwenda, foreign aid has stripped Africa of its self-initiative.
“A lot of people sometimes tend to see Africa as a money coffer or a charity effort, something to just throw money at,” Sherrod stated. “I think it’s good for all of us to hear someone address other forms of aid that don’t seek to just eliminate poverty but to also create wealth.”
Mwenda believes in the importance of creating wealth throughout the country and not simply trying to reduce poverty, Sherrod said.
While in town, Mwenda plans to visit the Clinton Library and tour Heifer International in Little Rock.
Those unable to attend last night’s event can find similar ideas presented in Mwenda’s online TedTalk, titled“Andrew Mwenda takes a new look at Africa.”
