In a quiet corner of the world, where the sun always smiles upon the land, lies Uganda Farm. This is no ordinary farm—once, the animals staged a grand revolution against their human oppressors, chanting “Animalism Forever!” and dreaming of equality and prosperity. The revolution promised a utopia, but as history reveals, revolutions often repeat themselves, and dreams fade with time. What started as a hopeful fight for freedom has morphed into a tale of power, corruption, and unfulfilled promises.
At the helm of Uganda Farm stands Comrade Napoleon, the wise and ever-benevolent leader who has ruled for decades. Once a liberator, Napoleon now claims that occasional adjustments to the rules are necessary to maintain stability. While some animals mutter that “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others,” Napoleon dismisses such claims. “The revolution wasn’t about total equality,” he explains, “but about securing our survival. Stability is the true goal.”
Beside him stands Squealeazi, the farm’s master of communication and propaganda. Every day, he praises Napoleon’s leadership, boasting of the farm’s endless successes—new barns, record harvests, and a golden age just around the corner. “Under Comrade Napoleon, we are the envy of all other farms,” Squealeazi announces. When asked about the growing hunger among the animals and the lavish feasts enjoyed by the pigs, Squealeazi reassures the masses: “Such sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. Would you rather have the humans return? Look at the neighboring farms—at least we have peace.”
Meanwhile, the Sheep, ever-loyal, bleat the official slogan: “Four more terms good, change bad!” They have mastered the art of silencing dissent, ensuring no one dares challenge the great leader’s vision. Occasionally, a brave animal—a hen or a goat—questions why the promised equality remains elusive. “Why are some animals still hungry while the pigs live in luxury?” they ask. But such questions are swiftly dismissed. “Unity is strength,” the pigs say. “We must stay focused on our common goal.”
On the outskirts of the farm, Boxeria, the hardworking donkey, continues to labor under the belief that patience and effort will eventually bring prosperity. “Napoleon is always right,” he mutters as he struggles with heavier loads and fewer rations. He believes that his sacrifices will benefit the farm, but one day, he collapses from exhaustion. Squealeazi will deliver a speech about Boxeria’s sacrifice, but the donkey will never be seen again. He is sent to a mysterious “retirement farm,” from which no animal has ever returned.
The Dogs, fiercely loyal to Napoleon, patrol the farm to maintain order. They swiftly deal with any dissenters or dreamers who question the leadership. Those who speak out are either silenced or forced to swear allegiance to Napoleon. “Justice must be maintained,” the pigs remind the animals, “for without justice, there can be no order.”
As the farm’s elections approach, tension rises. Though elections are meant to celebrate democracy, they have become a dark spectacle. Military vehicles roll in, and the Dogs are mobilized. Voters who dare cast ballots that don’t align with Napoleon’s agenda are met with violence. The military suppresses any form of rebellion, and the dogs ensure the “correct” votes are cast. Dissent is crushed, and those who resist are beaten and sent home, knowing the price of defiance.
Meanwhile, the media, once free to report the truth, has been silenced by force. Journalists who attempt to document the violence are beaten, their cameras smashed, and their voices stifled. Any independent voice is quickly erased. Squealeazi reassures the animals: “Would you rather chaos and disorder reign? Look at the neighboring farms—at least we have stability.”
Despite the growing inequality, the animals are repeatedly told that they are living in the best of times. Napoleon has brought stability, and isn’t that better than the chaos of other farms? “We are not like them,” the pigs say. “We have peace and security.” Sure, the pigs now live in luxury once reserved for humans, but isn’t that a small price to pay for the peace Napoleon has provided?
The revolution was never about achieving absolute equality, they remind the animals. It was about securing their future. So, the story of Uganda Farm continues. Napoleon’s portrait hangs proudly above the barn, a reminder of the revolution that secured their survival. The enemies of progress have been silenced, and the animals—ever hopeful—continue their toil, waiting for the golden future that always seems just out of reach.
The writer Moses Wawah Onapa is a senior educationist and a social commentator
Moses4christ2012@gmail.com
