Identity: Who do you think you are?

As Ghana celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this year - an event that symbolised the beginning of the end of colonialism in Africa - the BBC's competition for Africa explores the continent's identity.

Here, the BBC News website reader Ronald Moses Galiwango describes who he is.

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I am a Ugandan, born and bred by Ganda parents who flawlessly trace their lineages deep into oral history and are pure Ganda.

I am fairly tall, lean and neither dark nor light in terms of skin colour.

The Baganda are the largest of 52 recognised ethnic groups in Uganda.

A Ganda male should be of stocky build, medium height, dark skin colour with a prominent nose.

I happen to lack all these attributes if you may call them such.

Recently at a party, a guest repeatedly cast glances at me. Upon meeting, he addressed me enthusiastically in a strange tongue

I have on numerous occasions been taken as coming from all Uganda's regions.

Westerners are of Hamitic extraction, lean, characteristic facial features and the lightest tone of skin colour.

Central inhabitants (the Baganda) are a little darker than the westerners.

Easterners are lean, Nilo-hamitic origin, skin tone darker than the Baganda.

Northerners are the darkest in skin tone, of Nilotic extraction, lean with a legendary warlike heritage.

Startled

Luckily, we all agree that despite the diverse origins, we are all Ugandans except an introduction is quite incomplete till the inquirer ascertains one's ethnicity.

I wonder why this is worked out before if one must ask when the opportunity presents.

Fortunately, there is no malice associated with this knowledge.

Recently at a party, a guest repeatedly cast glances at me. Upon meeting, he addressed me enthusiastically in a strange tongue.

Seeing my startled expression, he asked in English if I was not Tswana - to which I replied negatively.

He laughed in disbelief then tried his best to assure me that I looked like one.

I could not deny the possible looks though, truthfully, he was the first Tswana I ever saw and we had no resemblance.

Since then, I have learned that I could pass for a southern Nigerian tribesman - the exact ethnicity I cannot remember.

This is most reassuring because my African identity is confirmed despite having to be placed in various ethnicities by unclear grades of skin colour and appearances.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Let us know whether you identify yourself first and foremost with your family, your ethnic group, your country, your region or your continent. How does that affect the way you behave and the way you see the world?

If you have photos to accompany your contribution send them to [e-mail], otherwise use the form at the bottom of the page.

Entries should be no more than 300 words.

The best will be published on the BBC News website, broadcast on the BBC World Service's Network Africa programme and entered into a prize draw to win a week-long visit to London.

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