African Politics...

                I am not a big fan of politics; however, the politics in Africa are a little more “exciting” than politics in the U.S.  The craziness started back in February when Yoweri Museveni was re-elected as Uganda’s president.  Like most African presidents, Museveni has created a dictatorship and has ruled for 25 years.  Many Ugandans favored Museveni’s opponent, Kizza Besigye; however, Museveni ensured his victory through bribes, ballot stuffing, and who knows how else.  Despite the rigged election, things were surprisingly calm in February.  It is only now that chaos is erupting.

                In the last month or so, the cost of living (specifically, food and gas) has risen significantly making it hard for many Ugandans to afford the necessities of life.  Besigye has taken this opportunity to organize protests against the rising cost of living.  Every Monday and Thursday, he has recruited thousands of Ugandans to walk to work to convey the message that people cannot afford the rising costs.  These protests have become increasingly violent, often resulting in tear gas.  In an attempt to discourage these protests, the police have arrested Besigye four times.

The past two days have been particularly eventful.  Yesterday, Besigye was arrested a fifth time, even though he was not participating in the protests that were happening around town.  During this arrest, a policeman used his gun to break the window of Besigye’s car, fill the car with tear gas, and essentially blind him.  All of this was caught on film and graphically shown on the news.  People are not happy and riots have erupted as a result of their discontent.

Uganda's military police in downtown Kampala
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1152948/-/c25w2jz/-/index.html



As the soldiers shoot at the demonstrators, the demonstrators began throwing rocks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13237058



                Needless to say, recent events have resulted in many injuries and deaths.  I have luckily been somewhat removed from the violence and riots.  From my office; however, I have a clear view of the hospital.  Never before have I seen the ambulances coming in and out of Mulago Hospital so frequently.  Also, because Kampala is a smaller city, it often seems that the violence is surrounding me on every side.  Although I have been lucky so far, I still find it necessary to restrict my movement around town and avoid public areas.  Things will hopefully calm down soon, though it is impossible to predict.