Uganda, April 30 -- Dear Tingasiga:

Two headlines from Kampala caught my eye last week. The first informed us on Friday April 26: "Lango chiefdom seeks Shs2.8 billion for the coronation of new Paramount Chief." The next day, we read: "Makerere to reduce funding research and innovations."

On the surface, Makerere University and the Lango Chiefdom are two unrelated worlds. One is engaged in the discovery, exploration, and dissemination of truth, through scholarship and research.

The other concerns itself with protection and promotion of culture, and a harmonious environment in which to grow their community.

However, the two institutions are united through their shared benefactor base, namely, the central government acting on behalf of t...