Walk to Work Protests over Fuel Prices & Food

What it takes to remain safe and secure for travelers while these protests are going on in Uganda

Provided as a service by Kabiza Wilderness Safaris - Quality Uganda Safari -Low in Price without Compromise.

Background: President Yoweri Museveni was re-elected in February of 2011 by a resounding 68% of the vote. The closest opposition candidate was Dr. Kizza Besigye with 26%, then Norbert Mao with 2%, and the rest were all less than 2% of the total votes. Even before the election opposition candidates vowed to protest the outcome of the election, claiming that they would be rigged and there were hints of an Egypt style up-rising.

After the elections there was relative calm in Uganda - the election went overall well - with minor incidents - the European Union commented that there were some problems such as logistics, late delivery of poll materials but did not question the outcome of the election.

There were accusations that the election was bought with cash to voters, yet reality is that the opposition would also be guilty of that.

Inflation had become a major issue with inflation approaching 14% - spiked by high fuel prices, the instability of the Ugandan Shilling against the US Dollar, which is used for all imported goods and of course transportation costs.

Food prices increased within the country and there most likely was some price gouging. The government believes in a free market economy and refused to step in. The opposition candidates who lost the election-(never going to court to protest the voting process - but claiming publicly that the election was stolen and rigged) led by Dr. Besigye re-invented themselves and became a champion of the masses who were struggling to make ends meet fighting for lower Fuel prices , lower food prices and changes in government. Unfortunately the government missed a great opportunity because of a lack of compassionate response. Excuses where given about market forces, Drought, and the fuel importation system.

The "Walk to Work Protests on Monday and Thursday" commenced and Dr. Besigye was arrested as he went off to his office from his home, he was arrested several times-once he was hit on his thumb by a rubber bullet and his finger and is arm is now in a sling, the worst and what changed many Ugandans mind regarding Dr. Besigye when he was arrested and by his car windows being broken by security forces with a hammer and a pistol, the occupants tear gassed and pepper sprayed and hauled off in an uncomplimentary fashion to the police station and then to the court. This scene played out on TV locally and Internationally made Dr. Besigye a martyr, a victim in the eyes of many.

He was finally allowed to receive treatment in Nairobi and then there was a problem when he was denied a seat on the Kenya Airways plane bringing him back to Uganda - he was allowed to do so the next day which was inauguration day for President Museveni.

A 45 minute drive from Entebbe to Kampala on a good day, became a 10 hour procession - thousands lined the road- in a way he stole the day from the legitimately elected President - President Museveni.

As Dr. Besigye came into Kampala - the newly sworn in President Museveni came into the opposite direction of State House at Entebbe and so did the invited president such as President Mugabe, Kabila, Goodluck Jonathan, Kibaki and others. Some of them were blocked in one way or another and some say rock pelting of vehicles took place. Dr. Besigye stole the party - the significance of the inauguration -swearing ceremony was diminished causing a bigger chasm between the President and the opposition.

Since that time - things have calmed down somewhat and hopefully it will continue to do so. President Museveni has announced some relief measures and the government has proposed dialogue.

Reality: The real issue is that the opposition did not win the election - it was a total loss for them and now the issue high fuel prices and high food costs is being used as means to win what they did not win at the ballot box. May everyone concerned come to their senses, take a deep breath and allow the Pearl of Africa to shine again.

Most Ugandans want stability - the ability to work- the ability to open their shops without teargas and without protests- those in the tourism sector such as ourselves want the same since the reality is that tourism gives job to many the accommodation industry, lodges, tour companies, park employees and more - the potential losses are will have effect on Uganda that is much greater than the price of maize meal (posho), plantain bananas (matoke) and fuel. May all Ugandans concerned think of Uganda first and live out what they often say "for God and my Country."

The government that has given the country peace and stability is not about to be overthrown - Uganda is not part of the Arab Spring in Sub-Sahara Africa - Reason will prevail - There are many erroneous and anti government reports that come out almost daily - most call President Yoweri a dictator-He is an African Ruler - a position very different from Presidents in the West - he is looked to as a father figure and hopefully he will take on the compassionate father mantle and deal with this situation with wisdom and understanding of the average citizen of Uganda.

What Kabiza Wilderness Safaris does for its clients during these times of Protests:

As an American - living in Uganda - I feel perfectly safe in this country - taking certain precautions such as the above one can be safe in Uganda. The thought of leaving has never entered my mind-I love Uganda - I hope that reason will prevail and that Uganda-which is considered one of the friendliest countries will again be that way - and you will hear as you arrive here - the graceful greeting "You are most Welcome." - from Kampala...jon

P.S. Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has not had one cancellation because of the protests- in fact May was a great month with 10 safaris and June will even be better. Our clients have been safe and secure in transit to the parks and in the parks and while traveling to, through or in Kampala - we also keep our clients informed of the real situation without minimizing as to what is going on.

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The Walk to Work Protests over higher fuel and food prices in Uganda

Is Uganda safe to visit at this time.