Bombings in Kampala, Uganda

Last Wednesday, July  7,  I was so happy to be clearing out the storage unit and driving the last of my boxes to DHL for shipping to Uganda. With the help of many friends, I was able to raise the money to pay to send 2100 pounds of neonatal supplies, baby blankets, hats and tees to Africa. My summer term at Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing just started after one week of break and now I could concentrate on my studies.
I had 3 or 4 days to let it sink in that after months of stress and worry, and lots of effort, the shipment was finally at DHL. I had even opened a store to sell donated baby clothes to raise money!
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And then, from the US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda
Warden Message 03 - July 11, 2010

The bombings on July 11 at the World cup viewing events at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant and the Rugby Club, which resulted in 64 dead and scores injured highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with visiting large public gatherings in Uganda.

At this time, the Department encourages U.S. citizens in Uganda to strongly consider the risk of attending large public gatherings because these events can provide vulnerable targets for extremist or terrorist groups. 

U.S citizens in Uganda not directly affected by today’s events are strongly encouraged to contact friends and family outside of Uganda to notify them of their well-being.

U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda.  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.  In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, U.S. citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same numbers.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ internet website at http://www.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).
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Well, we did lose three members of the team due to family pressure to back out, but otherwise we are intact and ready to go! Of course if things get too active and the US Embassy issues a travel advisory or Duke pulls their students out of the country we will reconsider. For now, we are moving forward and will be picking up our surgical instruments at our packing party next Wednesday.
We are also having to change our hotel reservations. There's an African Business Congress in Kampala, and it seems that our accomodations have been lost to them, so Dr H is scrambling to find us safe, secure lodging within reasonable distance to the hospital with as many of the amenities as possible, including meals. 
In the interest of safety, our safari is canceled. The drive north from Kampala to the Paraa Lodge is about 6 hours into desolate country, leaving our mostly white foreign faces too exposed and obvious to risk it.