| Uganda: Female Circumcision is a Cultural Right
I wish to respond to Joseph Lule's article in The New Vision of February 19 titled, "Female circumcision hurts women's dignity." To many Africans, particularly Ugandans, our cultural practices have become outdated and dangerous. This is because we look at things through the lenses of foreigners who do not have cultures of significance. For example, the UN officials who claim that female circumcision is violence against women do not belong to communities which have that practice. And women who have undergone circumcision are not complaining. Female circumcision is comparable to other cultural practices like "pulling" of the labia which is common among the Bantu tribes of Uganda. What is the difference between a Muganda lady who has "pulled" and a circumcised female Sabin? Female circumcision can also be compared to the Islamic and Jewish practice of male circumcision, which even Jesus Christ consented to.
Feathers ruffled in ODM-K as Sally Kosgei bursts onto the scene
A former head of Civil Service in both the Moi and Kibaki administrations, Dr Sally Jepngetich Kosgei, is attempting to shift the political tectonic plates in Rift Valley in her favour, Kenya Times can authoritatively report. Whereas presidential contender William Ruto has hitherto been regarded as the undisputed ODM-K supremo in Rift Valley, Dr Kosgei is making moves which seem to suggest that she is not going to play second fiddle to Ruto or to any other politician in Rift Valley, even as the clock ticks towards the general election. In fact, according to reliable sources, she may now have emerged as Raila Odingas most trusted lieutenant in the Rift. The talk is now that if Narc had Mama Rainbow in Charity Kaluki Ngilu, ODM-K may yet have its Mama Orange in Dr Kosgei. There are two occasions since Dr Kosgei entered ODM politics when she has astounded many.
5 fun things to do today
Trombones, and lots of them, will be on hand during the University of Southern Mississippi trombone choir concert at 7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium. Free. Details: (601) 266-5418.
If youve always dreamed of meeting an illustrator, tonight is your night. The Hattiesburg Arts Council and Bancorp South will host a reception for illustrator Scott Cook from 6-8 p.m. March 27 at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center. Details: (601) 583-6005.
Nothing aids the digestion so much as the lovely sounds of a soprano. Trinity Episcopal Church, 509 Pine St., will serve lunch in the Parish Hall featuring the woodwind quintet from the University of Southern Mississippi with soprano, Susan Ruggiero. Cost for lunch is $6. Details: (601) 544-5551.
Tonight could be a great night for steaks.
Raising money, having fun
Rustys Raptor Center at Woodleaf Outdoor School received a fundraising boost compliments of Hawk Flight 2007 at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds. The event, in its 10th year, showcased not only birds from the raptor center, but animals from the Sacramento Zoo, Classroom Safari and Joe Roy Aerial Predators. Kids also created earth eggs and help craft a giant nest for the eggs in the events recycled art project. The event also included Hawk Drop, a giant balloon filled with origami hawks. Meanwhile, hundreds participated in the annual Yuba City MS Walk to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Starting at the Feather Down Shopping Center, participants roamed a 5-kilometer course though town, with rest stops available along the course. The walk, sponsored by the Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society, was held in connection with walks in 11 other cities from Fresno to Santa Rosa.
That holiday souvenir could wipe out a species
SCOTTISH travellers are unwittingly threatening species worldwide by bringing home souvenirs made from endangered animals and plants. Customs officers at airports and docks across the country frequently find goods made from species facing extinction. .
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