Uganda police force has urged Ugandans to be extra vigilant after the UK issued a terror warning on Friday last week. The UK Embassy in Uganda issued a terror alert to its citizens in Uganda and those planning to travel to Uganda.
UK urged those in the Country to be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like hotels, transport hubs, restaurants and bars and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events, and when in close proximity to government buildings or security installations such as Police stations, among others.
This has left many Ugandans expressing fear in response to previous alerts from the UK and US that eventually became to pass. For instance, the US warned on June 12th that terrorists were to attack Uganda and four days later Lhubiriha secondary school was attacked where 37 students were child.
However, security agencies through Senior Commissioner of Police -SCP Fred Enanga said the way the advisory was released, makes it difficult to determine, the specific threats other than the general information.
“The alert and advisory does not mention the terrorists, their targets and whether the threats are imminent or not. We do however, acknowledge their concern, and are using the general information, to determine what protective security response may be required,” Enanga said.
Uganda has generally been peaceful despite the existing terror threats from Allied Democratic Forces- ADF which is accused of attacking Lhubirira Secondary schoo last month causing the death of 37 students while others were abducted.
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Security said the ADF carried out targeted attacks, on Police officers, at Police stations, other high-profile individuals, businessmen and communities in Komamboga and Butambala. Nevertheless, Enanga said the remain significantly lower.
Their bases in the DRC were dismantled, giving them a severe blow. In addition, their domestic cells in Uganda were also dismantled and their collaborations/ agents rounded up. As a Country, we need to maintain our resolve. The Community must share responsibility for our security and stand with the Joint security agencies, to demonstrate that there is no space for terrorism in Uganda.
“We further urge the public not to provide shelters for terrorist groups, or even supply them with
recruits for radicalization, as this will only give them a base to attack Ugandans more. Our focus therefore is to empower the whole community to remain alert and maintain the safety and security of those places, where they live, work and socialize,” Enanga said.
Additional information from police statement
If you see or hear something unusual, or suspicious, report to the
Police. Any piece of information could be important. In addition, stay informed
and prepared for emergency situations.
Be aware and watchful of people using recording equipments like camera phones or seen making notes and sketches, people paying close attention to specific entry and exit points, people loitering at or near premises for long periods, watching staff, visitors and deliveries, people asking about buildings, room layouts, security or parking.
As the Joint Security Agencies, our priority still remains to keep Ugandans safe. we are working
hard to prevent the proliferation of terrorist groups into the Country. Already a wide range of covert and overt policing tactics are in place, such as high visibility policing at a variety of locations. We are also working with partners at all levels, to help their capacity and protect their places.
These include private sector, partners including proprietors of critical transportation, infrastructures, places or worship, other community spaces, faith-based business and school
partnerships.
In addition, our Joint Intelligence components continue to share information and intelligence, to prevent all forms of targeted violence and terrorism. For instance, on the 29.06.2023 at around 11:30am, 3 ADF suspects were put out of action during a gun fire exchange, at their hideout in Toonde village, Nsala
Parish Lwamate sub county, in Kiboga district. An SMG rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene.
We also arrested a one Adomat Christopher a 42-year-old resident of Bazaar cell, Arua district with a consignment of suspected explosives, that he was attempting to smuggle through Mutukula on the 26.06.2023 at 4:00pm.
He claims they were given by a Tanzanian businessman only known as Donald,
for him to transport them to the DRC for gold mines.