Of Irish Blood and Ugandian Politics?!?!

Well, this is certainly inspiring... and funny. 59 year old Ian Clarke, a physician from Ireland who lives in Uganda, has decided to take a leap from a local hospital he runs to the murky and messed up world of Ugandian politics. This dual citizenship holder is running for chairman of the Katwe slum, and many of his to-be constituents are confident that he will win. This man, who is portrayed like Rambo in posters across Uganda's capital Kampala with the phrase "Londa mzungu" -vote for the white guy- , is far from the typical Ugandian politician. He has devoted 30+ years to providing low cost health care and basic amenities for the poorest of an already very poor country. While he adds to using the "development and progress" image in his campaign, citizens across the neighborhood idolize him because they see him as an outsider who truly cares for them unlike typical politicians who only care to spend state money on their lavish lifestyles. While the traditional distrust for whites that is commonly present in Africa doesn't exist in Uganda -- the nation was declared a protectorate so few settlers came-- Clarke is not without opposition. Local Ugandian elections are very dirty as incumbents spend millions of dollars to win votes and hire gangs to stuff ballots. And Clarke also had to play in the goodie game by giving new walls, paved roads, etc. though he gave much less than common. Ballot stuffing and playing the race card are the biggest problems for Clarke as he runs for office. Oddly enough, he is a bit concerned about the "White Monkey" stereotype, one that was oddly created by the movie "The Last King of Scotland". The dictator of Uganda had hired a Scottish physician to be his personal assistant as he went about his corrupt regime. I wish Clarke the best of luck in his upcoming election.

I think that it is great and inspiring for a man who cares very deeply for the community that he works in to run for local office. I know that it may inspire more Ugandians to take a civil interest in their country if they see a -- former-- foreigner joining. However, part of me thinks that Clarke might be better suited to helping his community by staying in his hospital. Ugandian politics seems to be a great mess and he may spend years trying to accomplish something as a politician than if he were a prominent citizen. And while he obviously cares for this country, a professor mentioned that his running for politics reemphasizes Ugandian stereotypes that foreigners know what's best for their country instead of their own citizens.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Clarke will win or not, or do you think he shouldn't run at all?