KAMPALA;MY SUNDRY CAPITAL

Old glares torch me on my proud  loud  love declaration for her

bitter sweet Kampala and  her diametrically opposite sides

She’s a bolting splash of gold and rust

flung and scattered among her hills

like broken ceramic on the brown earth

A side of hers bears they that are fortunate

luxury and abundance beyond  imagination

heaven-like serenity, ambience, neat green well kempt gardens

large plush mansions, palace like magnificent hotels

skyscrapers carrying a glittering sparkle, clean sidewalks

Streets recollect trips to the best auto showrooms

Only the best commercial kind wheels are parked

punctuated with trendy teenagers walking dogs, flashing gadgets

and smart corporates rushing to beat the rush hour

Yards away is the ‘other’ side of Kampala

thuds are heard as depressed lads rush about and

jump to their deaths in suicide

Congested streets with filthy stench of rotting sewerage

rubbing shoulders with murderers, drunkards, pedophiles, dacoits

Here all men must maneuver

As a kamunye whooshes past, a cop pleads for a bribe

in the proximity as if oblivious of the gathering crowd

a prostitute holds a young man by the collar

demanding for her well-earned  wages

pickpockets flee past me to escape

malice aforethought hands of blood thirsty fatigued citizens

Shabby street children and ragged odorous beggars

piteously hopping around in utter shock and surprise

as we saunter by unbothered by their lamentations, cursing or state

Street vendors are seized with their merchandise

bundled onto green trucks by yellow clad city council agents

The city is for all citizens they say

The riff raff have to be kept away

As a protesting opposition politician  is greeted with kicks and blows

Teargas canisters freshen  the air

Rights and regulations are optional

save for when we host international commonwealth forums

Why wear a seat belt, when you can afford bribe coins

KIWANUKA GEORGE WILLIAM