Today Kampala once again experienced riots. They haven't been widely reported in the international press as they were on quite a small scale compared to what has happened in North Africa and the Middle East recently, but they were riots nonetheless.
This has been building all week. The main opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, called for 'walk to work' protests over the recent rises in the cost of fuel and the increased cost of basic food stuffs (a rise of 12% in March alone according to the Guardian). He was arrested on Monday and today he was shot. Protests took place in areas all over town and we were advised to stay well away.
Just after lunch, one of my colleagues spotted big army tanks driving up the Northern By-pass. Large crowds were seen gathering on corners. Apparently tear gas was used in various areas. Today the children were allowed to go home early as some parents were concerned about getting stuck in the middle of trouble. As with most protests, most of the people are there to support a cause, while there are always a few trouble makers around.
This afternoon my class dwindled down one by one. By the end of the day I was left with only four children. One of the kids commented that it was like taking part in a reality show where contestants get evicted one by one!
Things are calming down in most areas now, and I have just heard that the main ring-leaders have been arrested. So it will be business as usual tomorrow!
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