Quick Facts on Uganda:
Population - 46 Million people
Capital city – Kampala
Currency – The Uganda Shilling
February 2017.
Murchison Falls. Also known as Kabalega Falls.
305 km from Kampala which is approximately 5 hours’ drive due to the tremendous roads.
Many people have myths revolving the beauties of Africa and everything unique to those lands. This is my attempt to dispel some of the westernized world views, especially referring to the country as a haven for stealing resources and taking advantage of the people. The following unedited photographs of my home demonstrate how diverse the lands are and the natural beauty of the continent. My trip exposed me to the beauty of something new. Views I could not have imagined flooded my sights, immersing my senses as I tried to take in the entire environment. The trip helped me appreciate being uncomfortable with certainty and reflecting on my experiences.
Most people fly over to Uganda, specifically Kampala to see something different from their normal lives. Often, they want to take in how the other side of the world lives before they return to their privileged lifestyles. For my family and I, this is not just another piece of land to witness how the other side of the world lives. We see these lands as our roots, the foundation upon which our legacies develop. Home to our origin story which is inscribed in our bodies and thoughts. For many members of my family and myself, we simply call this country, Uganda, our HOME!
The story asks to capture the wild in a photo. Most of the western world goes on a safari and snaps the lions, hippos, and crocodiles in carefully constructed environments that mimic their natural habitat. But I wanted to be different. I didn’t want a snapshot to hang on wall. It needed to be more. It was much more! Being able to roam in their natural habitat, I was able to view magnificent creatures. It also gave me a moment of pause as I felt that I was intruding on their home. Balancing my desire to see new sights yet stay respectful of the space they hold proved challenging. Although this land represented my home, it was also home to many others.
For some of us, it was our first time in Uganda and for others, it was their first time returning home in years. The different experiences brought different expectations for the trip. The safari was a tourist attraction that satisfied a bucket list moment for many. However, I was inspired to learn about my roots, be proud of my legacy, and explore how I can leave an impact on this world. The pictured lion is the first of three we saw on that safari. 18 of us in 4 vehicles. 3 land cruisers that held everyone 40 and above. The last jeep was open like those we saw Jurassic Park. No roof, no windows, and completely open. I was lucky enough to be in one of those as it provided the ability to get as close as possible without putting ourselves at risk. It allowed for the amazing picture below, where I felt I was having a staring contest with an animal I greatly admired.
It is important to acknowledge that I interrupted the lion’s home and habitat. The lion’s heightened awareness is visible through the shelter provided by the green bush. The lion was not in any means in an aggressive state, rather it was hiding from the blistering heat of the African sun like we were.
Observing the lion, I could not help but reflect on how accurate labels of purity, courage, and royalty described the large cat. And at the moment, it struck me how different these large cats are to the domesticated house cats I’ve known all my life. The idea of a cat seems so normal to what we see in our day to day lives. But Africa is not Toronto. A cat is not the same chubby fur ball eating bundle of joy you find in many homes. Here, a majestic beast protected by the shade, laid comfortably still, ready to protect itself and home if it felt threatened.
The wild cannot be limited to the animals found in the wilderness. The waterfall that I came across in my travels was breathtakingly beautiful. Most people come to Uganda for this tourist attraction, a view engrained in many people’s memories. Surprisingly, we did not plan to see the falls but when the opportunity arose it could not be ignored. This view was serene, as the differences in the colours were so clear and unique. The liveliness and warmth of the water could be felt through every simple movement that led its way to the falls. The shades of green were vividly represented through the mountains of greenery that attached to the falls! The waterfall connected three bodies of water, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, and the River Nile.
Beyond exploring the wilderness and getting in touch with our roots, the trip served another purpose. It was to celebrate the 150 young children aged 3-5 years old that would be pursuing an education. Canada provides education to everyone regardless of age or wealth for free even when the system is flawed. But Uganda has no such systems. The quality of education is determined by the amount of the money you are willing to pay. This picture above brings tears to my eyes at every glance. I’m proud to say that this picture changed my life. But more importantly we changed the lives of every child in this picture. This picture demonstrates the change and inspiration that we brought to every soul this school touched. This picture illustrates the young lions in the deepest parts of Uganda. The future strong young adults that will inspire and motivate change in the country through their own unique ways. The story is not that we saw lions, hippos, crocodiles, and other animals but rather we built a place to sustain and encourage education! The memories that surround these pictures are lasting and will never be forgotten. They bring back thoughts of beauty, inspiration, and legacy.
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DoJ Attorneys Resign Over Decision Not to Investigate Agent in Minneapolis ICE Shooting
A Justice Department Decision Sparks Fallout Several US Department of Justice (DoJ) attorneys have resigned following an internal decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into a federal immigration agent involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter. The resignations have intensified scrutiny of the DoJ’s handling of the case and fueled public debate over law enforcement accountability, particularly when federal agents are involved. The shooting, which occurred during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis, has already drawn local outrage and national attention. The decision not to open a formal investigation has now added a new layer of controversy—this time from within the Justice Department itself. What Is Known About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting Details surrounding the incident remain limited, as authorities have not released a full public account. What has been confirmed is that an ICE agent discharged a firearm during an operation, resulting in a civilian being shot. The condition of the victim has not been fully detailed in official statements, though local officials confirmed the individual survived. Local law enforcement initially responded to the scene, but jurisdictional authority shifted quickly due to the involvement of a federal agent. Under standard procedure, incidents involving federal officers are typically reviewed by the DoJ to determine whether a civil rights or criminal investigation is warranted. It was this review—and its outcome—that ultimately triggered internal dissent. Why DoJ Attorneys Walked Away According to sources familiar with the resignations, multiple attorneys—some with experience in civil rights and public integrity cases—objected strongly to the decision not to open a formal investigation. They argued that the shooting met the threshold for independent review, regardless of whether charges were ultimately brought. One former official described the decision as “a dangerous precedent,” warning that declining to investigate could erode public trust. Others reportedly felt that political considerations, rather than legal standards, influenced the outcome. While the DoJ has not publicly confirmed the number of resignations, officials acknowledged that departures occurred and said they were handled in accordance with internal procedures. The Justice Department’s Position In a brief statement, the Department of Justice said it had conducted an initial assessment of the incident and concluded that there was insufficient basis to proceed with a criminal investigation at this time. Officials emphasized that such decisions are made after reviewing available evidence, including use-of-force policies and witness statements. The department rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated, insisting that prosecutors follow established legal thresholds rather than public pressure. However, the DoJ declined to provide further details, citing the sensitive nature of law enforcement operations and personnel matters. Minneapolis Officials and Community Reaction In Minneapolis, the reaction has been swift and critical. City leaders and community advocates have called for greater transparency, arguing that federal agents operating within city limits should be subject to the same level of scrutiny as local police. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about accountability,” said a local civil rights advocate. “When someone is shot, there must be an independent investigation, regardless of the badge involved.” Protests and community meetings have followed, with residents demanding the release of body camera footage, operational details, and a clearer explanation for the DoJ’s decision. ICE Operations Under Renewed Scrutiny The shooting and subsequent fallout have reignited broader concerns about ICE enforcement tactics. Critics argue that immigration operations often take place with limited oversight, creating conditions where accountability gaps can emerge. Advocacy groups note that ICE agents are armed and authorized to use force, yet incidents involving shootings are relatively rare—and therefore require especially careful review when they occur. Supporters of ICE counter that agents operate in dangerous environments and must make split-second decisions, warning against rushing to judgment without full facts. Political Pressure and the Rule of Law The resignations have also raised questions about political pressure within federal law enforcement agencies. While no direct evidence has been made public, former prosecutors say internal disagreement of this magnitude is unusual and concerning. “When career attorneys resign over a single decision, it signals a serious breakdown of trust,” said a former federal prosecutor. “That doesn’t happen lightly.” Lawmakers from both parties have begun asking questions, with some calling for congressional oversight hearings into the incident and the DoJ’s decision-making process. Legal Standards vs Public Expectations At the heart of the controversy is a long-standing tension in US justice: the gap between legal thresholds for prosecution and public expectations of accountability. Opening an investigation does not imply guilt, but declining to investigate can be perceived as preemptively closing the door on transparency. Civil rights experts argue that even if prosecutors believe charges are unlikely, a formal investigation can still serve an important public interest. “The process matters as much as the outcome,” said one legal scholar. “Especially when federal authority is involved.” What Happens Next While the DoJ has indicated it will not revisit its decision at this time, pressure is mounting. Civil lawsuits, independent reviews, or congressional inquiries could still follow. Meanwhile, the resignations themselves may become part of a broader reckoning inside the Justice Department, as leaders assess how internal dissent is handled—and how public confidence can be restored. For the attorneys who resigned, the decision appears to have been a matter of principle. For the public, the unanswered questions surrounding the Minneapolis shooting remain unresolved. Conclusion: A Case That Won’t Fade Quietly The resignations of DoJ attorneys over the decision not to investigate an ICE agent involved in a Minneapolis shooting have turned a single law enforcement incident into a national flashpoint. Beyond the specifics of the case, the episode raises fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and the independence of the justice system. Whether through further investigation, legal action, or political oversight, the issue is unlikely to disappear—and the consequences may shape how similar cases are handled in the future.
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