Ubuntu Theory of Conscience 

 by Richard W-E-S-A Kawesa, Kampala, Uganda

Ubuntu is a set of values that, when lived, become a function of one’s identity to the fullest extent of what makes one – like all of similar persuasion – a human being. 

To that end, “I am because we are” is an incomplete statement for as long as the values that define the boundaries of who “we are” are not defined. “I am because we are Just, Productive and Orderly in what we think, say and do” is the complete definition of Ubuntu. 

Who we are defines who I am, but because we are just, productive and orderly, I regulate myself to align with the behavioral boundaries and identity of who we are as a collective. In other words, without who we are, I am not.

Being Just: Is to permit others to deserve the best of you.

Being Productive: Is to take the least amount of time to create and offer meaningful value.

Being Orderly: Is to choose the most efficient and effective means of achieving a pre-determined outcome.

I am being human by being a just, productive and orderly human being. We are human beings by being just, productive and orderly. I thrive  being human (Omuntu) if I live among human beings (Abantu) whose Ubuntu values are alive to the collective conscience. 

The 5th April 2026 was Happy International Day of Conscience.