Routines and the unexpected

This week has proven to be another interesting one, which seems to be theme of 2020. Since the kids returned to school in person over a month ago, my husband and I have been settling into a daily routine that begins with either a morning run or walk before work. This has been a great way to spend time together, get outside before it gets too hot, and stay active since we now spend so much more time at home. On Tuesday, we opted for a walk on one of our normal routes in the neighborhood. It was a relatively quiet morning with little traffic and signs of people just getting started for the day. As we made our way to the top of a hill and along a quieter stretch of road we suddenly heard someone screaming behind us. We turned to see a woman laying on the ground and a man standing over her. It took us a moment to register what was going on and then we immediately began running in their direction. The man quickly jumped on the back of a motor-bike and took off with his accomplice before we reached the scene. We discovered that the woman, an American, had been jogging when she was struck in the head by the man and fell to the ground scraping up her shin. Her cell phone, the target of the attack, had been stolen upon her fall. Fortunately, she was more scared than injured and was surprised by this incident as she frequently runs in that area. We heard that these type of incidences are becoming more common as we near the holidays and due to desperate circumstances caused by COVID-19. However, it is a different thing to see it happen before your eyes.

Yesterday (Wednesday) presidential candidate Bobi Wine was arrested again while he was campaigning in a town North of Kampala. While the exact reason is unknown, it is believed that he was arrested in violation of Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines limiting political rallies to 200 people. His arrest caused tension which quickly turned into riots and violence between angry citizens and the police force, resulting in several deaths. We received notice that roads were blocked off with people burning tires and other items, tear gas was being employed, and live ammunition was being fired. We are only about two weeks into the campaign with the election to take place sometime in January. More incidences of this nature are expected to occur and it appears we are in for a tumultuous next few months.

Just another day in Kampala traffic (previously taken)

We decided to keep the kids home from school today as the tension was suspected to continue and we didn't want to take the risk. Since they had attended school online for months they were easily able to join classes remotely for the day. The privilege we have to be able to make this decision does not escape me. Many children in Uganda are unable to attend school due to the global pandemic and public schools still not being open. They don't have access to online education or the means to purchase an electronic device or internet service. Other Ugandans do not have a secure home or place to escape the violence occurring on the streets due to political tension. They are unable to stay safely home to protect themselves from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as they must work to provide food for their families for the day. Some are driven by desperation to steal what they can when the opportunity presents itself. 

Despite all the challenges we've encountered this year, I do not take my privilege for granted and remain extremely grateful for our circumstances. We do not know what the next few months will hold. In the meantime, we must be vigilant to keep healthy and safe, remain generous, open-minded and cognizant of our blessings, and most importantly stay hopeful for the future.