Public opposition to the planned giveaway of a Ugandan forest to a sugar company has radicalized. Opponents to the project have turned to the streets to express their refusal to see a quarter of the forest replaced by sugarcane plantations. Besides its role as a biodiversity haven” the forest is believed to host spirits protecting the Baganda kingdom. Because the sugar company is affiliated with the Indian-owned group Mehta” this controversy has awaken racial tensions and anti-Asian feelings” reminiscent of the Amin period. During a demonstration last week” 2 activists were shot by a security guard” while the crowd stoned an Indian man to death” and stormed a Hindu temple.

See our previous blog on the subject” and an article about the recent events in the South African Sunday Tribune.