Beckerleg, Susan (2009) Khat chewing as a new Ugandan leisure activity. Journal of Eastern African Studies, Vol.3 (No.1). pp. 42-54. doi:10.1080/17531050802682713

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Abstract

A culture of hedonism that attaches a high value to leisure has prevailed in much of Uganda. Having in the past been associated only with Somali and Yemeni migrants, khat consumption has spread among all ethnic groups and to all parts of Uganda. The locus of consumption has moved from the living room to video halls, alleyways and the ghettos of both urban and rural areas. Khat chewing, which takes several hours if the full sequence of effects is to be achieved, is viewed as idling by mainstream society, and as an affront to the core Ugandan values of hard work and education. There are two types of consumer: 1) the traditional users, maqatna, who chew khat accompanied by soft drinks; 2) the mixers who combine khat sessions with alcohol and/or cannabis use. The mixers have abandoned the rules and rituals of consumption that pertain in other khat-using settings. Many Ugandans confuse cannabis and khat, condone alcohol use, and brand khat chewers as, at best, idlers, and at worst violent criminals.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Health and Social Studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Eastern African Studies
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	1753-1055
Official Date:	2009
Dates:	Date Event 2009 Published
Volume:	Vol.3
Number:	No.1
Number of Pages:	13
Page Range:	pp. 42-54
DOI:	10.1080/17531050802682713
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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