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A new chapter has emerged within the Ugandan community in South Africa, one that initially appeared noble and uplifting, but has now raised serious concerns of exploitation and manipulation. The trend of organizing Thanksgiving events, once rooted in solidarity and support for the less fortunate, now seems to be shifting into a controversial and potentially exploitative practice favoring the already well-off.
At its inception, Thanksgiving gatherings were welcomed by many as a brilliant community initiative. These events were organized to support Ugandans who had fallen on hard times those who were once respected contributors to the community but had become financially bankrupt due to unforeseen life circumstances. Others who had consistently dedicated themselves to community service without economic reward were also considered. The goal was to economically empower such individuals to continue the good work they had started and regain stability.
However, the narrative seems to have taken a troubling turn.
Today, it appears that some wealthy and influential individuals within the community have hijacked the initiative. Rather than channeling Thanksgiving efforts towards those in real need, these individuals are now organizing lavish Thanksgiving celebrations for themselves despite not being in any form of financial distress. A review of upcoming Thanksgiving events shows that those on the “waiting list” are far from being in need. Most are well-off, financially secure, and influential figures within the community.
Even more concerning is the method being used to mobilize attendance. There are growing allegations that the poor are being coerced and intimidated into attending these events under the threat that they will be neglected or excluded from community support should they refuse to participate. The formula is simple: the more people who attend a Thanksgiving, the more money the host collects. In essence, this model encourages the use of social influence and fear tactics to draw large crowds, not for communal upliftment, but for personal gain.
What was once a beacon of communal solidarity is now being viewed by many as a form of modern-day racketeering. The same small circle of wealthy individuals appears repeatedly on the Thanksgiving hosting schedule, raising concerns about nepotism, exclusion, and the misuse of communal goodwill.
This begs the question: Are these Thanksgiving events still serving the purpose of helping the needy within the Ugandan community in South Africa? Or have they become a clever strategic ploy designed to enrich the rich while exploiting the financial vulnerability of the poor?
There is an urgent need for the community to reflect on this issue, restore the integrity of the original vision, and implement guidelines that ensure Thanksgiving events return to their rightful purpose, uplifting those in need, not boosting the wealth of the already privileged.
By Brian Kisuule II
