TIA = This is Africa = My First Whiff of Tear Gas and First Armed Escort

The saying TIA, or "This is Africa," is one of those phrases that becomes more and more relevant and fundamental each day I (or anyone) is in Africa. It is a term used when things go awry, go differently, or do not go at all, as they are planned on this continent.

**Warning: what I am about to report may upset some, especially family, and tempt them to anxiety. Please, please, please DO NOT worry. I am safe, there is no imminent danger to me, and everything is being handled appropriately by those in the court. I am taking appropriate precautions which is really going about a normal day, except leaving the court a little early today. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.**

Today, I had my first armed escort (a nice policeman named Ali, with AK-47 in tow--but that sounds way more dramatic than it is because even the security guards for grocery stores have AK's) and my first whiff of tear gas. Little bit of unrest in Kampala, but DO NOT worry, I am fine and not worried about any violence against me. Apparently, there is a king here from the Buganda tribe that holds a lot of sway, is greatly loved, and the President is preventing him from traveling to an area. Oh Uganda. As the traditional goes, the king moves from one area to another through the City Centre in Kampala for the purpose of a youth meeting where the king gives advice to young people, and as the "practice run" by one of the king's officials was being thwarted, young people, boda boda drivers (motorcycle taxis) and traders (those with the small shops and who sell goods in the street) decided to clash with police. And, I am learning, Uganda police pop tear gas like soda. As one official has told me multiple times, everything in Uganda is political.

The picture included is from my third floor office window. Not sure if you can make it out, but there is a haze of tear gas over the area in the picture. The wind carried it over towards us, but dissipated enough not to be abrasive. Interesting smell.


Will keep you updated as things happen. The President is to make a statement tonight that will help stem or fuel the tide. Hopefully he is wise. These types of situations were always possible, even as Uganda is one of the most stable nations in Africa.

Like I said: TIA.


*All photos are copyright John M. Napier unless otherwise indicated.*