:: Uganda Security Update

Hi friends,

I’m sure many of you heard about the recent terrorist attacks in Uganda. We are sobered by this unexpected violence and incredibly heart-broken by the anger and fear involved. As of right now, I am planning on still going to Uganda on August 9th. Obviously, I will take into account the current security situation there as I continue to ask God for wisdom in making the right decision. I will be living in a fairly rural area that is considered “safe”, but more importantly, I consider the center of God’s will to be the safest I will ever be.

For more information, please click the link below:

travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2746.html

travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1051.html

Matt Alexander, the president of Palmetto Medical Initiative, wrote an email update to our upcoming team detailing the steps that PMI has taken to ensure the safety of short-term volunteers and in-country staff.

Hello,

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! We are excited that the trip is just several weeks away.

I wanted to make sure that you were informed about how Palmetto Medical has responded to the events that took place in Kampala two weeks ago. Im sure that  each of you has been doing research to learn more about exactly what happened. As you likely know there were two separate bombings on Sunday, July 12 that killed a total of 76 people in the capital city of Kampala. In addition, a third bomb was found on Tuesday, July 14 that had not been detonated. If you are unfamiliar with what has transpired you can learn more here http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575362400675683926.html.

As a result of what took place in Kampala and the African Union Summit that is being held in Kampala the Department of State has issued a travel alert which expires on August 15, 2010. In addition to the travel alert there have been four other Warden Messages which can all be viewed here http://kampala.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html. Marianne will have paper copies of these available at the team meeting on Sunday night.

In response to the events we have taken the following actions:

• Consulted with Sheri Randazzo who is the Senior Law Enforcement Advisor at the US Embassy
• Consulted with National Police Authorities
• Researched what other organizations are doing to find that no one we are aware of has changed plans or postponed trips (including Water Missions International and International Justice Mission)
• Consulted with Palmetto Medical Staff in Uganda as well as Masindi based missionaries and Church leadership

Based on our findings the vote was unanimous to move forward as planned and re-assess should any new information become available. In addition, we are taking the following steps to further ensure the safety of our team:

• Sheri Randazzo will be handpicking a police security team of no less than six officers to accompany the team during clinics
• At no time during the trip will the team be in the capital city of Kampala
• Unlike previous trips the clinics will not be marketed by radio but instead we will use other ways to ensure people are aware of the care offered without creating added risk to the team

If the recent events have caused you to question your participation in the trip please know that there is no obligation to continue moving forward. At this time the only thing that you will be responsible for should you choose not to continue is your non-refundable $250 airline cancellation fee. Additionally, any funds that have already been deposited can not be refunded but can be credited toward a future trip with Palmetto Medical Initiative.

Please do not hesitate to contact Marianne or I with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to working with you and appreciate your commitment thus far.

Thanks,

Matt

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