Volunteers get grounded too

Singing for free and peaceful elections

February 18, 2011 was the national elections in Uganda.  People voted for the President, and ministers of parliament, some of whom will be appointed to cabinet positions.  A few days before the elections, some organizations moved their international volunteers out of the country, while in our case, we were confined to quarters, although volunteers were free to leave the country for the duration at their own expense.

Like other foreign organizations, safety and security of volunteers are taken very seriously regardless of events or locations. Precautionary measures are advised regularly. Stock food for 5 days, don't leave your homes, use your common sense. It was good advice to stock on food because supply was limited as the supermarkets did not replenish their stocks, and they were also closing.  After the elections reality sank in.  There was short supply of many things, including fuel, and what a confinement since after the elections there was power black-out for more than 24 hours.  Election campaign was very colorful.  Each party put up their own show.  The religious also held their prayer rally.  What I noticed remarkable was before the rally began, the inter-faith religious group went to the district hall and met with the local authorities.  There was a  brief ceremony where the church and the state were united in expressing their common desire for credible elections.

This is the town's main landmark - a roundabout with 2 statues.  (I've got to find out who they are once the posters get cleared.)

What to do when you are confined to quarters with no power, no cellphones, no computer?  I don't remember, but one thing for sure..... I was bright and cheerful the morning after.