It is generally accepted that communism and socialist planning have failed. There are communistic countries, such as Cuba, with many notable achievements. But these countries are the exceptions to the rule. Capitalism, private enterprise and competition are seen as the engines of rapid economic growth. State ownership and centralised economic planning, in contrast, are viewed as slow-moving and inefficient.

Thus, in Uganda, "the name of the game" has been privatisation. Economic growth has been rapid, though economists will argue over to what extent these gains "trickle down" to Ugandans in the lower rungs of society.

MINTING: Commercialisation at Wavah Equator is extreme. Photo by Sue O’Connor

A major contribution in the private sector has been made by the highly successful businessman, Mr Gordon Wavamunno - from WBS TV to Spear Motors and much, much more.

The praises of the private sector suitably sung, there are reasons why some forms of government control must still be maintained over the behaviour of the private sector, as rampant, unbridled commercialisation can have many negative effects.

I was reminded of this when driving (or more correctly "when driven," as my wife, being a far better driver than me, was doing the driving) along the Masaka to Kampala Road. A sign, with huge red letters, suddenly loomed up in front of us and screamed "WAVAH EQUATOR" (see photo).

This really is commercialisation gone too far. Uganda may have energetically pursued privatisation, but as far as I know, the Equator has not been privatised. If the Equator has any owner, then surely it is the human race.

And where might this commercialisation road eventually lead us? In the months and years ahead, will lurid red signs start springing up boldly proclaiming "THE WAVAH SOURCE OF THE NILE"? Indeed, why stop there, let's rename the river and call it "THE WAVAH NILE".

In sport, we could have "THE WAVAH NAKIVUBO STADIUM" and in journalism, there could be "THE WAVAH ROVING EYE COLUMN".
And let's say I was a hugely successful and rich British businessman, instead of a moderately successful, and not rich, freelance journalist. The UK possibilities would be limitless. There could be "O'CONNOR BUCKINGHAM PALACE" and "O'CONNOR BIG BEN" or possibly "BIG BEN O'CONNOR".

When it came to "O'CONNOR DOWNING STREET", I would insist on similar big letters as "WAVAH EQUATOR", since I have always voted for the Labour Party, and their traditional colour is red.

So what should happen to the "WAVAH EQUATOR" road signs? I suggest to Mr Wavamunno that he arranges for them to be speedily dismantled.
The Equator is a major tourist attraction. Many people - Ugandans and foreigners - regard the signs as having crossed the frontier from acceptable to unacceptable commercialisation. Other people think that the signs are just plain bad taste.

Mr Wavamunno's companies, being so successful and so respected, just do not need to eke out that last cent of profitability from their Equator activities.

So, come on Gordon, knock down those "WAVAH EQUATOR" signs, and replace them by signs acceptable to everybody, such as "UGANDA WELCOMES YOU TO THE EQUATOR" or just "WELCOME TO THE EQUATOR".

kevin@imul.com