By Kellna Hursle

Uganda is often celebrated as the Pearl of Africa, a land known for its beauty, culture and natural treasures. Yet behind this familiar description are stories of hardship, uncertainty and people struggling to make ends meet.

In The Pearl of Pains, Kellna Hursle reflects on poverty, unemployment, freedom of expression and the struggles facing ordinary Ugandans. Addressing Uganda as his motherland, the poet contrasts national pride with the painful realities he sees around him. Through sorrow, frustration and questioning, the poem invites readers to reflect on what it means to love a country while confronting its challenges.

Oh! Uganda, our motherland,
The Pearl of Pains, Oh! Uganda,
The land of suffering and poverty.

Oh! What a pride to live here
In the eyes of those who don’t,
To flatter about the serenity.

And shiver at the news
Of why we’re placed under a US
Level 4 travel ban, oh! My country.

We laugh with you for the people
Placed behind bars as to why
They must take to the streets their anger.

Oh! Motherland, I’m afraid that
Tomorrow won’t find me for saying
Out these words, so forgive me.

I’m scared that this may not reach
Yet another generation, as many
Word weavers are made to bleed.

Oh! Motherland, where holding ink
Is a treasonous act, and holding a gun
Is an act of heroism to everyone.

To get educated and then enjoy
The playground of unemployment,
To watch your soul starve to death.

Oh! Uganda, excuse my bitter tongue,
Forgive my dumb head that can’t
Think clearly as to why it is as it is.

Motherland, we all call you when our
Stomachs can’t get a meal each day;
We’re starvin’ with wisdom.

Oh! My motherland, who’s savin’ you?
We’re no longer afraid to share beds
With our grandparents.

Oh! Motherland, your children turned
Into murderers for survival. Hear them
Loud as they claim life more than God.

— Kellna Hursle (© thenorthpoet)