MINUTES FROM A MASSACRE
A BANBRIDGE volunteer aid worker has spoken of her relief to be home from Uganda following two bomb blasts which killed 64 people.
Fifteen missionary workers from Bannside Presbyterian Church had been in the country's capital city Kampala for just over a week when the two explosions tore through a rugby club and a restaurant, killing scores and injuring many others on the night of the World Cup final.
Ruth Elkin, who led the group to carry out charity work in the African nation, said family members and friends back home made frantic phone calls and sent texts fearing for their loved ones' wellbeing.
"We were around half an hour away from the site of the blasts so thankfully we escaped without injury but it was a worrying time to be in the country," said the 27-year-old.
"My mum was so pleased when I got home safe and sound at the weekend."
The youth and family worker, who is based at Bannside, said security in the capital was noticeably increased following the attacks.
"There were police all around looking under cars and we were warned to stay away from public areas," said Ruth, who travelled to Uganda in conjunction with Craigavon-based organisation Fields of Life.
"But then if you look at what was happening at home over the Twelfth of July I suppose it puts it all in perspective," she added.
The group was involved in building a school during their time in Kampala as well as working with street children and checking out rehabilitation projects.
"We were able to help build a school in six days and it should be ready by September this year," said Ruth.
"The school they have at the minute basically consists of wooden poles with mud between them so it's a vast improvement."
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Weather for Banbridge
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
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