The speed at which Uganda has revitalized its security network, transport infrastructure, city cleanup, lighting, telecommunication and hospitality industry ahead of the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is praiseworthy. It demonstrates that with political will in synergy with the business community and ordinary citizens, digit strides in development can be realized rapidly in Africa.

Whereas the people of Uganda will have a taste of standardized services, two questions linger: Why should an African government become conscious that its house is not in order only when confronted by external visitors? Will the facelift already achieved be sustained? The whole scenario showcases how African countries are disconnected from their subjects but more accountable to external forces. It is imperative that respective African people put their governments to task and hold them responsible over failed or poor service delivery and compel them to be inward looking.

The Commonwealth meeting ought to remind third world countries that wealth is not common, hence the need to drop trade barriers against each other, open up borders to each other and focus on comparative advantage. It is hoped that African heads will not speak from a position of inferiority, but rather talk as equal partners, strike business deals and advance the African agenda.