Summits and elections

While I'm halfway up a mountain, Uganda will be going through a momentous occasion of its own. The General Elections (or should I say Erections?) will be held this Friday. President Museveni has been in power since 1986 and is standing once again. Over the past few months, various political campaigns have been in full swing. Not for Uganda, the tedious 'Party Political Broadcasts' at the back end of the 9 O' Clock News. Here, pick up trucks loaded up with a serious amount of speakers blast any passers by with excruciatingly loud music (the NRM treating us to yet another rap unfortunately), shouting, microphone feedback and litter the streets with fliers. Virtually every inch of public spaces have been plastered in posters, predominantly yellow. It is illegal to take them down don't you know? In spite of all the publicity, I know several Ugandans who don't feel it is worth the bother of voting. I admire the spirit of my wonderful TA, who thinks that everybody should vote, so that they know they have tried their best. This time they have promised that the elections will be free and fair .

I am, of course, hoping that all goes smoothly and safely, whatever the outcome. No major touble has been forecast, although I did see a fleet of heavily armed tanks passing on the by-pass the other day. They must just be there for decoration ... When they say 'no major trouble', apparently they mean there may be a little tear gas thrown around here and there and there may be some riots, similar to those of September 2009. Not exactly peaceful in my book! This is all speculation, and maybe nothing at all will happen. Those staying around have been stocking up on bottled water, tinned and dried goods and jerry cans full of petrol just in case. It's a bit like the 'spirit of the war' without Vera Lynn! I hope that my friends don't have to spend too much time cooped up watching DVDs at home though and that the sun shines for them.

So Sunday should be a big day. All being well we should be on the 'rooftop of Africa' as we get up at midnight to climb to the summit.  Meanwhile in Uganda, the first results from the election should be coming out.

Warm thoughts going out towards everyone climbing Kili and everyone in Uganda at this time.