Cde Monomotapa wrote:Historically, the Botswana Pula (BwP) experienced similar weakness during the exploration stages of its diamond resource. The reversal to strength of the currency after diamond sales commenced made smart fellows richer. Hence, same story, different cast. UG is no exception. It is more of a patience than a money game perse ~ Respect the game & the game will respect you.
Very different scenarios.
Botswana - Respect for democracy, elections (& the aftermath) are generally peaceful, corruption is minimal, lots of land [albeit mostly desert)
Uganda - corrupt prez, extends his term (24 yrs in power), corruption abounds, good land but population growth exceeds that of well-fed pigs
Uganda has a lot more going for it (vs Botswana) as far as 'overall' resources are concerned...
- Very good land [Ugandans except in the drier north hardly ever have famines] with water
- Smart/educated populace. Some of my best teachers in High School were Ugandans. Then the Kenyan teachers complained. A pity coz the replacements were not as good!
- Uganda has lots of water for its land area.
- Oil is better than diamonds. I can live without owning a single diamond but I need oil.
Greedy when others are fearful. Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase Warren Buffett