Uganda: Tarnished Pearl Of Africa (Nations of the Modern World: Africa) [Paperback]

Thomas P Ofcansky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0813337240 | ISBN-13: 978-0813337241

Uganda, a landlocked nation in East Africa, was known during colonial times as the “Pearl of Africa,” largely because of its pleasant climate and rich land. For most of the postindependence period, however, Uganda was one of the most brutal and violent nations in Africa. In 1986, a new government seized power, promising to restore internal stability and economic prosperity. Since then, Uganda has gradually become a model for other African states struggling to improve the lives of their citizens.In this broad survey, Thomas P. Ofcansky examines the political, economic, and social themes that have shaped Ugandan history. He inspects the impact of British colonial rule, investigates the emergence of the independence movement after World War II, and analyzes the factors that contributed to the collapse and decay of Ugandan society after Idi Amin’s seizure of power in 1971. The author then explores the successes, failures, and prospects of Uganda’s current government. In his conclusion, Ofcansky considers the difficulties facing a nation divided by ethnic, religious, and regional cleavages and argues that Ugandan leaders must work to establish a society in which all Ugandans benefit or face the possibility of a return to anarchy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas P. Ofcansky is senior analyst on East Africa for the Department of Defense.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (April 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813337240
• ISBN-13: 978-0813337241
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,506,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > History > Africa > Uganda

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Overview, November 3, 2002

By 

Zac Hubbell (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uganda: Tarnished Pearl Of Africa (Nations of the Modern World: Africa) (Paperback)

This book is informative and a good reference, especially the economic and trade section. However, if you are looking for a well written masterpiece on Ugandan culture, this is probably not the book for you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A very dry reading, January 30, 2009

By 

Cynthia "Eze Nwanyi" (Houston,Tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uganda: Tarnished Pearl Of Africa (Nations of the Modern World: Africa) (Paperback)

This book is very dry in its presentation of Ugandan history. Furthermore, I feel that this author skips over important details of Ugandan history such as the historical divide between north and south, which is a continual factor in the 21 year war with the LRA.

If possible find another author for a historical review of Ugandan history.