How native cultural values influence African journalists’ perceptions of China: in-depth interviews with journalists of Baganda descent in Uganda

Abstract

Closer economic and political ties between China and Africa have contributed to the increasingly complicated image of China held on the African continent. With the help of in-depth interviews with 20 journalists of Baganda descent in the Kingdom of Buganda in the East African country of Uganda, this article draws comparisons between Chinese and Ganda cultures to examine how native cultural values shape the ways Ugandan journalists perceive China and China-related affairs. Because of the emphasis in both cultures on respect for “authority”, China’s authoritarian state-capitalism is a significant negative factor contributing to China’s image. However, the main source of conflict is the chasm between the isolated, closed-minded, racist expatriate Chinese community and the native culture in Buganda that cherished diversity. This study calls for more Sino–African research on a micro level, based on native culture outside the usual politico–economic frameworks.