REVIEWS

Book: Footprints of the outsider
Author: Julius Ocwyino
Publisher: Fountain Publishers
Available at: Leading bookshops
Price: sh10,000
Reviewed by: Joshua Masinde
Abudu Olwit is born in a mud walled leaking grass-thatched hut. He is born out of wedlock. The cotton ginnery, which is set up by two Indians, Hippen and Ramchand in Teboke village, sets off a series of events, one of which leads to Abudu Olwit's birth. They employ labour from other parts of the country and from Sudan and the Congo to operate the ginnery.
Abudu Olwit's father, from Bugisu is one of the employees in the ginnery. He and Abudu Olwit are considered outsiders, just like the two Indians. He abandons Abudu Olwit and his mother after he stops working in the cotton ginnery. Abudu Olwit's mother, Alicinora, is a drunkard and irresponsible woman who does little to raise up and educate Abudu Olwit.
In pursuit of a better future life, leads a reserved lifestyle, through primary school to university. Though, he is considered as a 'bastard' illegitimate son of a foreigner, he struggles against the odds in life to even get the education that is prestigious.
Many people consider a university education as a pathway to a better and comfortable life. However, even after graduation, Abudu Olwit's life does not change much. Is not content with the occasional teaching jobs he gets in private institutions.
He thus seeks out his Mike Adoli-Awal, his parliamentary representative, cum junior Minister of state in the new regime of Uchebi to offer him a government job. Adoli-Awal, a proud and sycophant politician, frustrates him.
Nevertheless, Abudu Olwit lands himself a job as an Assistant Superintendent of prisons. He is later imprisoned after false accusations that he was instigating a rebellion in Teboke. The accusations are made when Abudu Olwit helps his community to set up boreholes to avert the disastrous effects of drought.
Ever thought of venturing into politics? It is a dirty game, they say. If you aspire to be part and parcel of politics, be prepared to soil your cloak. Politics, being as it is, is often riddled with hooliganism and violence.
Abudu Olwit resolves to plunge himself in politics after he is released from prison. But, what becomes of him and his family, in his bid to unseat Mike Adoli-Awal from his seat in Teboke?
Footprints of the Outsider is a historical and socio-political account of the society in which the events are told. Much of the events reflect Uganda's political History especially during the Obote I, Idi Amin and Obote II regimes. They are actually further from fiction, though, the author says the events and characters, whether alive or dead, are figments of imagination.
Apart from its political backdrop, Footprints of the Outsider explores issues of family life, religion and cultural beliefs. The novel is skillfully woven with wit, suspense, flashbacks, songs and conversations.