“Have any bombs?”

Today I decided to check out the snazzy new-ish mall in Kampala, called The Village.  It’s absolutely huge, and has one of Kampala’s three KFCs (Yes.  For real.  And no, I didn’t go in.).

I’ve noticed that since the World Cup bombing in 2010, most large venues (like shopping centers, and sometimes churches) will search your car and/or your person upon entry.  When approach supermarkets, I open my purse out of habit, because the guards may want to look.  Sometimes they don’t, because white women generally don’t profile as bombers, but one never knows.

So, when I drove into this snazzy new-ish mall, naturally, there was a gate with a plethora of guards.  I rolled down the windows and unlocked the doors in advance of their search, and greeted them.  They also wished me a good morning, then proceeded to open my door and ask, “Any bombs in here?”

I assured him there were not, and he announced that he would check the boot (trunk).  While I’m accustomed to being searched, that’s the first time I’ve ever been asked point-blank whether I have a bomb on me.