Security

We found out about a month ago that the day we arrive in Uganda is the day of the Uganda Presidental Election. Which around here doesn't really raise any flags, but things run alittle different over there.
We have been reussured by numerous people that we should be okay, but we did up our security too.

This is the info that our leaders recieved regarding the travel.

From the US State Dept:
January 24, 2011

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Uganda to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on February 18, 2011. U.S. citizens in Uganda during this period are urged to exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation throughout the election period. This Travel Alert expires on April 18, 2011.

Uganda’s 2006 presidential and parliamentary elections generally were orderly and peaceful, and there are no indications that the 2011 elections will be any different. Nevertheless, the State Department recommends that U.S. citizens monitor the local news for changing security developments throughout the elections. Instances of localized unrest related to the elections are possible, and U.S. citizens should be aware that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can turn violent. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind.



From the US Embassy in Uganda:

U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda

WARDEN MESSAGE

JANUARY 25, 2011



This Warden Message is to alert all U.S. citizens living in Uganda of heightened security concerns that regional terror groups, including al-Qaida and the Somalia-based al-Shabaab, remain actively interested in attacking U.S. interests in Uganda. We are particularly concerned about the month of February.



In light of this threat, the U.S. Mission in Kampala cautions U.S. citizens to take the following measures:



Be alert for suspicious activity, and report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 999.
Ask yourself “What would I do in case of an attack?” and be prepared to enact your plan.
Avoid large public gatherings, especially those with large numbers of westerners and/or no visible security presence.
Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times.


This alert updates previous warnings issued in the Warden Messages relating to the July 11 bombings in Kampala, and as the latest Department of State Worldwide Travel Caution dated August 12, 2010.



U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road. The phone number is (256) (0) (414) 306 001 or (256) (0) (414) 259 791, fax (256) (0) (414) 258 451, email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov, and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.