Review of Remembering the Future

[Do Thi Huong]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Remembering the Future" by Christopher Conte (editor).]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Remembering the Future, edited by Christopher Conte, is a compelling collection of stories by various Ugandan writers that explore how Uganda has changed over time. Each story covers different topics, but the overall theme is to examine Uganda's traditional values and how these can address contemporary issues influenced by Western culture.

Many of the issues discussed in this book could be relevant to other developing countries. One of my favorite stories is Goria Ubuntu. It provides great insights from a patriarch about the role of men and women in history and why there are conflicts in gender relations today. I like the writer's keen observation of how the architecture in both the city and countryside reflects people's social lives. And the saying "Society, in short, was an extension of family" really struck me; it's a perspective that is often overlooked today.

Apparently, the best way to understand Uganda's past culture is to consult the wisdom of older generations. Each writer in this book engages with a diverse array of people who provide knowledge about Uganda's traditions or have been working to preserve its culture.

Through this book, I learned a great deal about Uganda. For instance, The Once-and-Future Clans of Buganda explores the clan system's power on society, while Mountain, Ostrich, and Giraffe: A Journey through the Ateker Land of Karamoja discusses Asapan, a sacred tradition in Karamoja, and the crucial role cattle play in this ritual. In Our Justice or Their Justice?, the writer sheds light on Mato Oput, the traditional Acholi system of justice, which focuses on forgiveness and repairing social bonds rather than punishment—a more humane approach compared to Western systems.

I resonate most with And Money Made Men Mad, which reflects on the simplicity of life in the past and how money has influenced the lives of Ugandan people today. Also, the stories of traditional healing and beliefs brought a sense of mystery that really drew me in.

Each narrative is well-written, with a smooth, engaging flow. The more I read, the more I was drawn to it. The descriptive language is a highlight. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of scenes from various regions of Uganda that are woven throughout the stories.

Overall, the book offers a thorough look into Uganda’s culture, traditions, customs, economy, and language. I have nothing to dislike. The book is a reflection on my own culture; part of it has also been lost to Western influences. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to Ugandan readers and anyone interested in exploring cultures beyond their own.

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Remembering the Future
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[Anthony Caleb]

The growth of a country can influence various things, and it influenced the writing of this book, so intrigued at the history of Uganda.

[Martin Shae]

Remembering the Future, edited by Christopher Conte is a compelling collection of stories by various Ugandan writers that explore the nation's evolution. Each story tackles different topics, unified by the theme of examining how Uganda's traditional values can address contemporary issues influenced by Western culture.