International and local media have, today, carried stories to the effect that there are specific terror threats targeting Uganda, and, particularly, Entebbe International Airport. They attributed the source of the information to the United States embassy in Uganda, and, who, in turn, are reported to have said they got the information from the Uganda Police.
This is to clarify that the Uganda Police did not give any such specific information to the United States embassy about planned terror attacks on Entebbe International Airport. As the public knows, whenever there is an imminent terror threat on the country, the Police issues terror alerts. Had we found it necessary that there was such information that warranted the travelling public using Entebbe International Airport to be informed, Police would, similarly, have alerted the public.
It is true, Uganda, alongside countries in the region, face the daily threat of terrorism from such groups as the Al Shabab and the ADF, and have put in place effective counter terrorism measures, especially at such vital installations as Entebbe International Airport, to ensure that those groups do not succeed in their evil plans. In fact, in a recent clarification of remarks attributed to the Inspector General of Police by the Daily Monitor, we clearly reassured the public that Entebbe International Airport is safe and secure, not least because of the counter terror measures in place. Indeed, the Police, together with sister security agencies, continuously, and on a daily basis, focuses on the threat of terrorism and evaluates whatever information relating to any possible attacks on the country.
This is, therefore, to reassure the country and the world, that whatever information on possible terror attacks on the country is not specific. At any rate, we wish to reassure the public, especially the travelling public who use Entebbe Internationa Airport that there is no cause for alarm. There are adequate and effective counter terrorism measures in place to deal with any threat to the Airport or any other place in Uganda. In fact, as we alerted the public before, because of the ongoing World Cup season, we have taken extra measures to ensure that the country is safe and secure.
Once again, we reiterate that Entebbe International Airport is safe and secure and the travelling public should continue with their travel plans through the airport.
However, even with this reassurance, we call upon members of the public to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious items lying in any premises, any suspicious individuals and activities to the nearest police station or post, or any security officer, or LC official. We intend to reissue detailed guidelines to the public on signs of possible explosive devices, suspicious individuals, and activities.
Fred Enanga
Ag. CP Press/ Public Relations Office
03.07.2014
