I walk out straight into a riot!
The following link shows what was going on and just some of what I saw.. I was on the same road as the shot at 16sec http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8249693.stm
There were guys shooting in front of me, people shouting, throwing stones.. a lot of chaos.. a local guy tried to steal what he thought was money but was really a letter.. luckily he didnt get a good enough grip so I managed to keep hold of it but as I continued to walk, a lovely man popped out of no-where and came up by the side of me and told me to run fast as the guy was following me!!... so I legged it through the riot onto the first Boda which I could see and told him to drive.. oh my gosh my heart was poundiiiiing! I didnt quite know what had just happened I just knew that this city, which I had felt so safe in these past two months, had now became an unsafe war zone.. I told the Boda man to stop at the market so that he couldnt see where I was staying as I was very cautious of everyone and then I walked very sharply back to the guest house.
I found out that the problem was to do with the tribal kings.. something to do with Buganda tribe not wanting a king, which the government are rising up, to come into their area so they are protesting by rioting.. it got pretty hectic.. the news is so vivid!.. they were showing images of dead people..people with their arms hanging off and all sorts! I was shocked and scared as I was there on my own. I spoke to Immaculate on the phone who's house was in the thick of it and she told me not to leave the guest house, as being a foreigner I am more likely to be targeted at the moment. So I sat and I prayed sooo hard.. thankfully the area which I was staying in was calm but I never knew whether the riot would spread or not so I packed my bags ready for a quick get-away just in case.
I was getting phone calls from many children who were scared.. some asking for money, some worried about their parents getting involved in the riots and I just didnt know what to do.. I was scared myself!.. I was told it was just political and it would calm down but it seemed to be getting more out of control and obviously being there on my own and not knowing the language to know exactly what was going on freaked me out. I was stuck in the guesthouse for two days and two nights, hence I could not write this blog sooner.
Sherry, the girl from the slums, was worried too so she came over and we closed the curtains to try and block out the drama and had a good chat.. I gave her a girly pamper and some of my clothes, as well as a notebook to keep her busy and as good therapy for when things are tough in the slums.. we had a goodbye meal together which was lovely.
That night I slept with one eye open, with all my bags packed, waiting to hear from Joze who was going to take me away from the trouble.. however on his way to see me he also drove into a riot and had people running everywhere, throwing stones etc, so his car (our get-away car) got damaged.. sooooo he had to get another car and we had to wait for there to be a calm patch in the riot for us to be able to use the roads safely. Thankfully Anna, the girl who I was working with at the Autism Centre, was safe in Entebbe and suggested a safe place to stay for the night so we drove there and escaped the riot.. like movie drama eh! I could finally enjoy my last moments in Uganda.. we found somewhere to dance up my final night and went to the beach in the morning before I headed back home.
So now, after a loooong journey from riots in Kampala to Entebbe to Dubai to the UK I am now back in my own home safe and sound... aaah I had the longest shower everrrrrrrr and fully appreciated having warm water! Bliss! I have just put on a Ugandan CD which I had made of all mine and Yaz's favourite tracks and as I began to unpack I just cried my eyes out! Its been such a long emotional journey.. I have experienced and seen so much and I guess I was just running on adrenaline.. the 'get up and do what you need to do' mentality... and now I am here in the comfort of my, what seems now, huge house.. with all my belongings, realising how much I have and how lucky I am to have a secure environment and family to come back to, when the children and families out there are still left with the daily struggle. I cant decide whether I have tears of happiness, upset or just built up culture shock as I unpack little things which have brought so many memories of what has been such a jam-packed trip of fun, laughter and tears.
I have learnt that life in Uganda villages is so different to the way we live our cushty lives here.. its an everyday struggle.. I have recognised the vicious cycle in which a lack of money and education can encourage insecure living enviornments, abuse and promiscuity.. producing lots of children and the spreading of H.I.V.. hence also there is no money to cater for the large family or medical needs, which leads to death and a repeat in history.
I have concluded that for long term development we need to get rid of the dependancy upon charity, as this reliance is forming some perceptions that western people are the saviours and has caused the thought process that Africa is singled out in their suffering situations and that everything and everyone on the 'outside' is so much better.. which is leading some people here to loose hope in their own ability. Therefore I believe that fiancing projects which can help develop peoples skills and providing education in academic, life skills and first aid is much more important than just handing over money.
But all in all, although it seems that a lot of work needs to be done here, the one thing which a lot of people have in Uganda is a down to earth reality, raw appreciation for every single day, a love of living and joy in Christ. I am in awe of the children.. their eagerness to learn and their strong belief and trust in God despite all the violence and heartbreak they face day in day out. Therefore although I came here to help make a differance, Uganda has truely made a big impact on my life and I have learned so much from the culture and admire the soldier spirits within the children.
I could not have gone on this adventure without the support of all my family and friends and am sooo grateful to you all.I must now close by thanking the gorgeous Hope team...
Immy, Joyce and Violet: Thankyou for making me feel so welcome. You are making such a big difference in these kids lives - the work you do is admirable!
Joze, Josh and Ema: You guys are awesome I love the bond you have as brothers! Thankyou so much for all the rides, chats and party times. You have kept me smiling and dancing!
Rabia: Your smile is infectious! You are such a genuine girl with a great zest for life and purity which needn't be spolit.
Anita: A true party minx and drama addict haha! Thankyou for reminding me how to have fun in every situation
Colin: I think I can still hear your cough in my sleep! Your perception on life and the way you use words to express yourself is unique and you connect brilliantly with the kids.. I want a copy of that book before it sells out!
Dimi: The hiphop dude with all the contacts! You have a great outlook on people and I love your passion and dedication which you put into everything you do!
Naj: My bootay shakin firey diva next-door! You have always been there to not only cheer me up and make me laugh with your prank jokes but have also stood by me and been a great listener
Joel: Thankyou for all the chats and wise words.. I love your sarcastic Aussie humour and have seen that there is a dude great with kids in there deep down!
Mia: We all know how much you love America haha but your organisation skills and huuuge box of first aid came in very useful and I wish you all the best on your travels!
Yaz: You have been my beeeeest friend out here and have got me through everyday. We have literally been through everything together and I thankyou for sharing all the tears, jokes, nights out and not forgeting toilet trips with me haha I will never forget you gurl and love you lotsWe lived the dream to the max baby!!
X BIG LOVE TO ALL FRIENDS, FAMILY, THE TEAM AND OF COURSE UGANDA ITSELF X
over and out.
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