Photo Courtesy of security foot patrol
As Ugandans count six days left to April 9, Easter celebrations, the Ugandan military, and police have intensified security in various urban areas and crime-prone suburbs. Security has put priority on shopping centers, churches that will have an increased number of worshipers as well as suburbs where criminals target people going or returning from shopping.
Christians around the world have started the Holy weeks that usually have a beehive of activities starting with Holy Thursday where Jesus Christ performed the Eucharist sacrament including washing the disciples’ feet.
There is also a way of the cross on Good Friday where Christians imitate Jesus Christ who was made to walk distances carrying the cross on which he was crucified. In Kampala, Christians including Catholics, and Anglicans usually carry the cross accompanied by the clergy and their movement attracts huge crowds.
Senior Commissioner of Police -SCP Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, said they anticipate that some people will be travelling to their hometowns and villages for the Easter Holiday.
“Many others will go partying, celebrating, shopping, and thanksgiving. As a result, we expect an increase in criminal activity, and other threats to public safety, especially robbery, bag snatching, frauds, and livestock theft,” Enanga said.
Since the start of this year, Uganda has not had specific threats directed toward it but security forces said they would continue to actively monitor all activities to ensure there are no credible threats in the country.
Forces have increased patrols, visibility, and other security interventions, that will run through the Holy week, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. In order to secure places of worship, Enanga said they have also partnered with all religious leaders and stressed the importance of community vigilance.
“We would like to remind all places of worship to review their security measures and contingency plans on protecting the churches and their assets like installing intruders’ alarms, use of forensic markers, encouraging local vigilance, and minimise the risk of arsons among others,” Enanga said.
Security has encouraged those that are travelling to plan for early movement and additional time to the transport hubs and delays along the major roads and highways. People going shopping have been encouraged to avoid carrying large sums of money, displaying valuables, using ATMs at banks, hotels, and shopping malls for safety.
Criminals planning to antagonize Easter celebrations have been warned that they face the wrath of security forces. Commanders of various stations, divisions, and districts have been tasked to do everything within their means to deliver a joyful and peaceful Easter holiday to Ugandans and visitors in the country.