SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
Things have been slow and tense here. Riots broke out in Kampala on the 10th and violence escalated on the 11th. Today seems to be the deciding day. Today, the Kabaka (king) of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, was scheduled to attend a youth rally in the Kayunga, a suburb of Kampala. The Banyala minority in the area opposes the Kabaka's visit saying he should have asked permission before coming to the area. The Central Government supports this possition and was refusing to let the Kabaka visit Kayunga.
Over the last few days four radio stations have been shut down, Central Broadcasting Service (CBS); Radio Sapientia, the Catholic radio station; Ssuubi FM; and Radio Two (also known as Akaboozi). The radio stations have been shut down for inciting violence among the people.
Last night it was announced that the Kabaka would not visit Kayunga. There are rumors as to whether or not he is under house arrest. This may or may not cause more problems. It has been speculated that if the youth suspect the Kabaka was forced to stay away from Kuyunga, this could cause more unrest.
As for us, are safe at the National Seminary. We made it out of Kampala just before the tear gassing and violence erupted on Thursday. Our trip to the school in Masaka has been posponed until the roads reopen. Probably Sunday or Monday.
In the mean time we have been doing interviews with Fr. Michael. It's been very interesting finding out more and more about the children and where they come from. The more Ugnadans I talk to the more obvious it becomes that education can be the answer to many of the problems the country faces. Over and over again education is the one word that is emphasized.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
Shooting of the documentary is well underway. After a week in Kisoro, where we shot a few photo essays, we are back at St. Mary's National Seminary in Ggaba with Fr. Michael. Today we went to see Marie, the grandmother of two of the children in the program. The conditions of the neighborhood and living situation really puts into perspective why the kids would give anything to be able to go to school.
I am trying to put together some preliminary photos of the trip, but the internet here is very slow. Uploading is taking forever. I'm hoping to get them up before we leave for the school.
AUGUST 31, 2009/SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
Ani and I left for Uganda on the 31st... I am updating from Amsterdam. Our flight to Entebbe leaves in about an hour and we are quite exhausted.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the project. We left with 4 huge suit cases full of school supplies, clothes, and toys. Thanks for Ms. Marie Holmes at the Continental chieck-in counter, check-in was a breeze. When we arrive tonight we will be saying at Kisubi Seminary with Fr. Francis. If all goes well we will start filming soon.
JULY 31, 2009
We are collecting any and all toys, school supplies and clothes for the kids at St. John Bosco Kitenge Primary and Secondary School, the school were the children in Fr. Michael's education fund go to. If you would like to donate please email Paula at frmichaelschildren@gmail.com. If you happen to be in New York City or Chicago someone will be able to pick your donations up.
JUNE 14, 2009
A lot is happening with the project. We are now fiscally sponsored by Anthology Film Archives. Now, all donations to the film are tax deductible.
We are going back to Uganda in September to shoot the bulk of the film. Look for updates while we are there about the progress of the shoot.
Plans are in motion to have a fundraiser for the film, but it will most likely be after I get back in October.
In other news, the new version of the trailer is posted on the home page. New photos will be added to the gallery page shortly.
More to come soon. Thanks for visiting.