African Insights Blog Newsletter
Is Uganda Safe- After the deadly Terrorist Attacks on July 11 -2010 in Kampala
Practical Advice on Uganda Travel Safety - July 2010
President Museveni of Uganda has declared 7 days of mourning for the 76 victims who died on Sunday Night while watching the World Cup at Kyandondo Rugby Club in Lugogo and at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala which is located near an area that is one of the favorite nightspots in Kampala, a place filled with all night activities from bars to restaurants. People entered in droves, security was light, no purses or backpacks were checked, no body searches, some police were there...the event started at 6 pm and people kept coming. Kyandondo Rugby club is the place to go on any weekend, Nyachoma - roasted BBQ meat is served along with many other items, the mood is celebratory and the beers flow freely. At 9pm it was time for the Fireworks and the crowd loved it. The match began at 9 pm and the expectant which was mainly pro-Spain roared.
The local singing celebrity Bebe Cool sang during half time, there were fireworks, people had a great time before and during the first half, lamenting only that no goals had been scored by their favorite team. But the second half was about to begin.
Little, on anyone's mind was that 0n July 5th the al-Shabab militant Islamic (Taliban like) group issued another threat against Uganda and Burundi, because those two countries have 5000 soldiers in Somalia and basically keep the Transitional Somali Government in power, not much power to speak of, just control of a few neighborhoods and streets in Mogadishu. The threats were dismissed, but on July 11, the night of the World Cup Final what appears to have been suicide bombers attacked two venues in separate locations in Kampala. It was so on the night of the World Cup finals.
One bomb went off, causing confusion, some thought it was a problem with the electrical circuits, seconds later in the middle of the crowd a second bomb went off causing much damage, 50 some died instantly, including one American volunteer with Invisible Children, people sitting in their chairs, beer bottled in their lap, dead. People scrambling for their lives, the wounded being dragged out and rushed to Mulago Hospital and other medical facilities.
Ethiopian Village near the top of Kabalagala was also in a celebratory mood, many had come for dinner and were ready to watch the match on the big screen. Many Ethiopians and Eritreans had gathered there along with some Westerners including a church group from Pennsylvania. The second half was under way and a bomb was detonated, the result was mayhem. 6 of the Church group wound up in hospital, 15 plus people died.
We join President Museveni in this time of mourning for the victims, praying for the families left behind, especially children. Our hearts and prayers also go out to those recovering from the blasts both inner and outer wounds....May sanity prevail and peace return to Uganda.
Two days later in Uganda - al-Shabab, the militant Somali, Islamic group has taken responsibility, praising the suicide bombers, telling Uganda to remove their African Union Peace keeping troops. Here in Uganda, the police and security forces have been busy making arrests, and no one has been charged as of this morning. Somalis, and there are many with refugee status in Uganda, are keeping a low profile. Ugandans are outraged at this coward less act, this attack against innocent football fans. President Museveni has vowed to get the perpetrators and not to rest until they are brought to justice. On the first day, some shops remained closed, there were less taxi vans on the road and much more police presence. The US is sending forensic experts to Uganda and other personnel to assist the Ugandan police in the investigation. President Obama has voiced his outrage against this senseless act and Secretary of State has promised support during this time. No travel advisories for Uganda have been issued as of this morning, the 13th of July 2010.
People, that have made plans to visit Uganda, are contemplating as to what to do. Since I deal in Safaris, I can say, that I have not had any cancellation for upcoming safaris and or tours in Uganda. Reality is that I have more potential bookings to process. The executive Director of the Uganda Tourism Board reassured visitors to Uganda that the situation in Kampala was under control.
The Police recovered an un-exploded suicide vest,
that might give them more clues at Makindye House, a popular
Ugandan
hangout which is surrounded by popular pulled pork place, a dish many
Ugandans simply love. Thank goodness no one was hurt, an employee
discovered the vest and notified police.
Reality - What can you do make sure that you are safe in Uganda during your visit?
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Book with a tour operator such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. Your safety and wellbeing will foremost on their minds. Safari companies will take you to safe hotels and of course you will be on safaris and most lodgings will be boutique size and less than 15 rooms, actually most are less than 10 and away from the crowds of Kampala. Most tour operators put you and your well being before profits and the almighty US dollar. Deal with a Safari tour operator that not only puts together your itinerary but it willing to answer your questions in detail regarding safety and security in Uganda and in Kampala in particular.
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Book smaller hotels in Kampala, we happen to use a Cassia Lodge for medium and up-market travelers overlooking Lake Victoria, Gabba and Kampala. Beautiful views, swimming pool, nice food 135 double room a night with breakfast. Budget needs - we use Marble Arch Hotel in Kansanga on a quiet side road, 15 rooms 15 to 30 usd per night. We also use the Chez Johnson Hotel and Olympia in similar price range for budget travelers.
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Avoid large night clubs and bars- stay at your hotel, go out to small restaurants and enjoy yourself. A large disco, bar was also targeted on July 11 but thank goodness the suicide belts were found and the persons that were going to use them apparently fled. That disco-bar would get up to 800 patrons on a weekend. Avoid large bars and clubs.
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Use for Hire Taxis to get around Kampala. Have a Ugandan negotiate the price for you and use Yellow Cab metered taxis.
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Avoid Taxi Vans: Taxi Vans are 14 passenger Toyota Vans and avoid the old and new Taxi park since there can be limited security and there thousands upon thousand who pass through here daily on the way to or from Kampala.
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Churches: Avoid large churches and stick with smaller ones for the time being. It is doubtful that churches can provide security needed at such a time.
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Markets: Avoid the larger markets such as Owino market, Nakasero Fruit, Vegetable and Food Market.
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Avoid any large Crowd: Avoid any demonstration, political rally, large gatherings in Kampala or other large towns such as Jinja.
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Avoid going out late at night: Avoid going out late at night. Most places that Ugandans may frequent such as bars or clubs fill up after ten at night. Stick with smaller venues.
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Stay away from walking on crowded Kampala streets: You can freely walk around Uganda, there are many roads that are perfectly safe, but for the time being avoid the crowded downtown streets.
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Get a local cell phone sim card: In order to stay in touch with families and friends get a local sim card for 1 usd or less, buy some airtime and call home - incoming calls are free. You do need an unlocked phone and it is best to have a quad phone. You can even use phone for email.
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Stay in touch with Email: Most hotels have a computer with Internet available to customers.
Security in Uganda: Ugandan government fully realize that the security of the country is important and that visitors to Uganda are now its primary area of income. Security on the second day since the bombings has increased dramatically.
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Entebbe Airport security is on a high level alert and security in and out of the airport has increased dramatically.
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Shopping centers are checking those entering in thorough manner, it may inconvenience you but it is for your well being.
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Extra Police security, military security is now found everywhere in Kampala.
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Border security has been beefed up and any foreigners are thoroughly checked.
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Private Businesses such as shops, restaurants, bars have upped the security and many are doing a metal detector and body search, bags are not allowed in or are checked.
Going on Safari in Uganda during turbulent Times:
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Safari companies most often leave Kampala prior to rush hour and once you are out of town the situation is quite different. There have been no problems at any of the National Parks in Uganda. The Driver will usually know what roads are best and safest. The drivers are well trained to make your safari safe and sane.
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Book lodgings through your Ugandan tour Company ahead of time. All park lodgings have security 24 hours a day and it will most likely be increased during these times.
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Safari companies can meet you at Entebbe airport and you can spend your nights in Kampala at a location that your safari company deems safe and secure in the suburbs of Kampala
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From your hotel it is straight into the African Bush to such places as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and others.
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As your safari for the local, on the ground information prior to your arrival and what they are doing to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
Personal Note: As a US citizen in Uganda how do I feel? Safe and secure. I simply follow my own advice and stay at home at night, avoid crowded places and enjoy Uganda and its people-Uganda is still the pearl of Africa. Uganda has been a safe place in all parts of the country since June of 2006 and safe it will be again.
The police and security forces in this country are what we call here "serious about their task at hand." Not to be serious is an insult here. President Museveni is focused on the cowardly deeds of the terrorist and has vowed to get the perpetrators and the people behind the attacks.
The African Union Head of States are meeting here beginning on the 19th of July and security will be even tougher. No heads of state have canceled as of this morning (13 July 2010).
There is a resolve in the Ugandan people to pick up the pieces, there is a resolve in the Ugandan government to deal with the culprits and bring them to justice.
Uganda's economy is beginning to boom, foreign investors are flocking here in large numbers. Chinese are now the #1 investors in Uganda. The Ugandan government has assured the investors that Uganda is a safe place. Tourist bring in more income than any other industry in Uganda. The Ugandan government fully realizes the value a tourist represents and are committed to keeping the visitor to Uganda safe and secure-something that comes before Dollar Signs, but as a part of the Ugandan welcome and hospitality.
If you have any questions regarding traveling to Uganda, feel free to write.
From Kampala...the Pearl of Africa...jon
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