Others' Words

Others' Words

I just don't know what to say. I'm going to borrow a friend's description: dumbstruck. Being dumbstruck, I need to use the words of others to make my post today. Most are from local newspapers; articles are linked so you can read the quotes in context and get a broader scope of the events of the today. Some quotes are from facebook updates, and I did not link them to protect privacy.

• “The economy is beginning to develop and we are feeling the pressure which is good,” the President said.

• Dear Mr President, yes! there is sthg u can do about prices: isnt this exciting news? U can cancel those pretty new jets! More exciting? U wont need to look to fuel levy for 700Bn to fund a third of Karuma dam- what with saving trillions!!??

• "But police has acted professionally. They have controlled rioters not to loot other peoples’ property. I am satisfied police have stopped looting which is part of the aim for the organisers of these riots,” stated Museveni.

• I ve heard lots of nonsense e past few weeks saying police had no choice but 2 block e walk 2 work but 2day was an insult 2 all Ugandans.

• When he arrived at Kalerwe, he came out of his roof top and waved the FDC sign.

• He went to Mulago round-about but by this time, he had attracted a crowd and started throwing stones at the Police.

• "We have expressed our concern about what appears to be harassment of Dr. Besigye," Johnnie Carson, the assistant secretary of State for African affairs.

• Tonight I kept vigil for Uganda & it's slide deeper into the political abyss :( "Insomnia v. Insanity" Truth is: I was too horrified to sleep without risking nightmares!

• Mbabazi disclosed that the Government asked the DPP not to object to Besigye’s bail so that he could attend the dialogue: “The Government requested the DPP, although the DPP is supposed to be independent, so that Besigye can represent his party at the meeting.”

• In return the Police and army used tear gas and batons to disperse the rioters.

• The Police also used a water cannon truck, which constantly released a colored, itchy liquid into the people. Uganda Red Cross Society said two people died as a result.

• The Police shall continue to cooperate with the public and other security agencies to maintain law and order, prevent crime and ensure the safety and security of the country.

• 18:12 EAT: Kampala Metropolitan Spokesman Ibin Ssenkumbi has confirmed five deaths. He identified three as Ssemuga Kanaabi, Sam Mufumbiro, a resident of Kibuli but killed at St. Balikuddembe Market, and Frank Kizito, who was shot in Busabala. Another two were shot in Bwaise and Bweyogerere, Ssenkumbi said.

• 17:36 EAT: The Uganda Red Cross Society has confirmed the deaths of two men, fatally shot in riots that broke out in Kasubi and Najjanankumbi. URCS secretary general Michael Nataka said the society has attended to at least 200 people, of which 139 were referred to hospital – 20 of these were bullet wounds. Nataka said the bulk of the injuries came from Kasangati, Kiwatule/Ntinda, and Najjanankumbi areas.

• Over 100 people have been admitted at Mulago hospital with injuries they sustained this morning during city riots.

• Uganda Red Cross secretary general, Micheal Nataka, has told reporters at Mulago that ten sustained live bullet wounds. Others, he added, inhaled too much teargas.

• A police an officer was among the total 84 registered at the medical facility by 12:30pm, many having sustained gunshot wounds. Children and women are among the victims.

• Grumble, grumble... Gunshots in my neighbour hood. Oh, when the bullets hit a person, then they are stray. But, only the police and army firing....

• “There are many injured people here but I don’t have the figure of how many are injured or dead. We are too busy now,” says Mulago Hospital Spokesman Dan Kimosho.

• Government Chief Whip, David Migereko, has told a news conference at media center that normalcy has returned to most parts of the city that witnessed chaotic scenes in the morning.

Can you pick out which ones are government propaganda?

We got the kids safely home; that was a major concern of mine today. I went straight to the gym from work for an intense workout (maybe too intense, left nauseated) to relieve some stress. I feel a migraine coming on. I don't think a good night's sleep is going to resolve these issues, but I'm still hoping for a better day tomorrow. There's the optimisms peaking through the clouds.