Official Word From US Embassy

We are in Masaka, about two hours from Kampala and are presently safe, However Rita is in Kampala and attempting to come home here on Friday so keep her in your prayers. This is the email from our embassy:

Violent Demonstrations in Downtown Kampala and Surrounding Areas.

Warden Message

Kampala, Uganda

September 10, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Kampala wishes to advise U.S. citizens that this weekend the leader of the Kingdom of Buganda is planning his annual visit to Kayunga District against the wishes of the central government. The disagreement has resulted in a stand-off which appears to be fueling long-standing grievances between the Kingdom of Buganda and the central government, and between different political factions within the kingdom.

As of the afternoon of September 10^th, 2009, violent protests are occurring in downtown Kampala as a result of this situation in Buganda. This message is an advisory to all U.S. citizens to avoid the central and western downtown areas of Kampala including, but not limited to Kampala Road, the Hotel Ecuador, Clock Tower and Kabuye Circle. U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds of people anywhere in the city as protests can materialize quickly and become violent.

The U.S. Peace Corps has withdrawn its volunteers from Kayunga District and U.S. Mission employees have been advised not to travel to the Kayunga District until further notice.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Consular Section of the U.S. Mission in Kampala at (256) (0) (414) 306 001 or (256) (0) (414) 259 791. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, U.S. citizens may reach the U.S. Mission duty officer at the same numbers.

U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Mission in Kampala. 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 U.S. Embassy Kampala website: http://kampala.usembassy.gov .

For the latest security information, citizens living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at: http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays).