Men in neatly tailored suits step out of luxury vehicles and into sleek offices, yet many in Uganda feel that something vital is lacking: humanity.
This concern was highlighted at the recent launch of Where Did Humanity Go, a thought-provoking book by Adson Atuhairwe, the Vice LCV of Kiruhura District. Community leaders, family members, and friends gathered to emphasise the urgent need to revive compassion in today’s society.
Across Western Uganda, communities are feeling the effects of a diminishing sense of empathy. Once united by kindness, these areas are now increasingly characterised by selfishness and individualism.
Discussions revolve around how neighbours no longer support each other as they once did. Acts of generosity have become rare, replaced by stories of greed and the prioritisation of personal gain over the collective well-being.
For many, this shift is not only disappointing but also dangerous. Communities are grappling with rising crime, violence, and a sense of moral decay. The consequences of this “lost humanity” are becoming more apparent, with ordinary people bearing the brunt of the social deterioration.
During the book launch, Professor John Mugisha, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, underscored the critical need to foster empathy and forgiveness.
“A great king is defined not just by his ability to deliver justice but by his capacity to forgive,” Mugisha explained. “If we all embraced selflessness and forgiveness, we could restore humanity.”
Atuhairwe tackled the issue head-on, calling for a return to the values that once shaped society. “We are living in a community that has lost its core values,” he said. “People are at odds with each other, and corruption is rampant. Where has our humanity gone?”
The book’s message struck a chord with attendees, including Amos Nuwagaba Mushana, a change maker in Western Uganda and founder of Mushana Production.
“Without humanity, our society is left with nothing,” Mushana stated. “We cannot live in constant violence. This book offers guidance on how to pursue peaceful, harmonious living.”
