Kampala riots continue this morning

I woke up early to get ready for my 9:00am Sales Call today.  I called the organization at 8:00am, asking if the staff was in the office today.  The secretary said some employees weren’t there, but that most had come in.  She assured me, “we’re waiting for you.”

I was just heading up the road at 8:45am when I heard the first gunshots this morning.  The riot police commonly fire into the air to disperse crowds.  These gunshots were coming from Kasubi, the next hill after my neighborhood.  Kasubi is an important neighborhood to the Baganda tribe, since it’s the site of their royal tombs and cultural museum.

I quickly went back to the hostel and called the secretary, explaining that I had to reschedule the meeting.  I saw Nash coming back to the hostel, too.  He tried to go into town this morning, and he said that none of the taxis were going because the military have blocked all roads into town.

A car burning at Kasubi market, and a crowd being
dispersed by riot police.

From a roof in Kikoni, I was able to get a clear view of Kasubi market, where a riot was taking place.  In my view, I saw one car burning.  There were other smoke plumes, either from other cars or heaps of burning tires.  Faintly visible were riot police moving into the main intersection of the market.  I could clearly hear gunshots – I hope they were rubber bullets, but I know yesterday police were using live ammunition.  I also could see white teargas spreading from the intersection, and people fleeing for shelter indoors.

I’ve texted or called everyone I know who could be going out today to stay safe.  The AIESEC interns are all okay, although one of them had to walk a long distance home because the taxis weren’t running yesterday.  Everyone has access to food and water, since small neighborhood shops and restaurants are still open.  We will be able to wait this situation out.

Everyone in my neighborhood is calm, looking to Kasubi hill will curiosity and mild chides that the government is losing control.  There are no main gathering points in my neighborhood, making a riot here nearly impossible.  I feel very safe for the time being, staying inside.  And I venture to the roof every now and then to get a glimpse of the situation unfold in surrounding neighborhoods.