Riots in Uganda

Day 40. So for those of you who have looked at my facebook profile (or the Palmers) in the last few days, there are probably some questions that need answering. Let's back track a little.

Uganda became a republic following its independence from the British, so in the constitution it was written that a president would be elected every 5 years and may serve for a max of 2 terms, aka 10 years. The current President of Uganda, however, has held his office for over 20 years! He has been able to do this because his party happens to hold the most seats in Parliament. Before Uganda was made a Republic, it was simply a region of several kingdoms, which the British brought together under colonial rule. After Uganda gained its independence, the kingdoms were still in existence and so it was written in the Constitution that the kingdoms may still exist for cultural purposes, but the kings do not have any actual political power. The problem is, though, that since the people all love their kings more than the President, they have gained significant power. The kingdom Mukono resides in is Buganda, which is one of the largest and among the 5 most powerful (or so that's what the Baganda, people of Buganda, tell me ;)).

Anyway, this Saturday was Youth Day for Buganda, and the Kabaka (which means king) of Buganda was planning on attending the annual celebration, as he does every year. On Thursday, the Prime Minister of Buganda went to go prepare for the Kabaka's arrival, but he was stopped by the military under orders from the President. The President declared that the Kabaka could not go to the Youth Day Celebration. Though this is a small insignificant event, this was a key opportunity for the President to demonstrate to the Baganda his power over their Kabaka. This, of course, cause an uproar amongst the Baganda (have you guys figured out the difference between Buganda and Baganda yet?) so by Friday there were major riots in the streets of Kampala, the capitol, as well as many surrounding towns, including Mukono. Then to make matters worse, on Saturday the President put the Kabaka under house arrest, so that the people could see how little power the Kabaka actually had. Aka, more riots...

What defines a riot in Uganda? Essentially a massive group of people in the streets burning things in the streets, throwing things at police, and pretty much anything that will convey their contempt with the President. How did the President respond? Send a gajillion military police to the riots, flooding the streets with tear gas, shooting live ammunition into the air, and beating/putting in jail those who are starting the trouble. By Saturday at least 5 people had died and 70 were injured.

The good news. None of us were ever in any immediate danger, as we were well protected by our families and the campus. Also, Mukono Town is back up and running with the riots settling down and restoration of political relationships beginning with the Kabaka and the President (what that actually means...i don't really know). Oh and Drew and I got to see the family farm and they grow Cocoa beans, Vanilla, and Sugar cane!!! Definitely good news. ;)

Welp, there's a quick update. I hope everyone is doing well and thanks for all your prayers.

Joshua