I have to admit I was a bit nervous during last week’s national election in Uganda. Most of the seats in Uganda’s parliament and the presidency were up for election. President Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (“NRM”) have been in power for nearly 40 years.
As some of you may have heard, there were reports of protests and violence. And then in the days leading up to the election, the government shut down the internet.
According to the Ugandan Election Commission, President Museveni was re-elected by a wide margin and his party, the NRM, continues to control the parliament. Despite complaints of corruption, the main opposition leader has announced he will not challenge the results.
Why am I writing about last week’s Ugandan election? When discussing our frequent travels to Uganda, I am often asked, “Is it safe?” This is totally understandable. There are a lot of unsafe places in this world and in Africa.
Is it Safe?
Safety is very important to WE International. We want to ensure the safety of visitors to Uganda, and we need to protect our Ugandan team.
WE International is fortunate to operate in a relatively safe area of Uganda. Certainly, parts of Uganda are less safe, in the north, near the border of South Sudan, and in the west, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But the areas where WE International operates—the Jinja district and areas to the east—are stable and safe. On my numerous trips to Uganda, I have never feared for my safety.
WE and Local Politics
While WE International is not at all a political organization, we go to great lengths to be transparent with the authorities. We involve local officials in our plans and seek feedback. Politicians and government officials often attend our events—sometimes uninvited—but are always welcome. Working with the authorities is part of our strategy to maintain a safe environment for our team and visitors.
Back to the election and the internet blackout; despite the blackout, I was able to maintain contact with our Ugandan team. The work of WE International was uninterrupted as life in the areas where we work was largely unaffected by the strife that may have occurred elsewhere.
Interestingly enough, the NRM party that controls the parliament lost in 6 of the 8 parliamentary seats in the Jinja district to opposition candidates.
As you know, WE International is in the midst of a campaign to fund the completion of our campus. Please click on one of the links below to contribute to our capital campaign or to make a designated gift to equip our new facilities.
Any gift, small or large, will help WE International bring unconditional love, safety, and second chances to the most vulnerable women, children, and families in Eastern Uganda. These efforts rely solely on your contributions. When you donate using the link below, all of your contribution goes to further our efforts there.
Thank you!
