Last week, the UK Embassy in Uganda issued a terror alert to its citizens in
Uganda and those planning to travel to Uganda. They 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. Many Ugandans are expressing fear simply because some of the
previous alerts from a few Embassies, have been followed with actual terror
attacks.
The way the advisory was released, makes it difficult for the Joint Security
Agencies ’s 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.
Over the years, our Country Uganda, has been generally peaceful, but with
existing threats from a known enemy the ADF. Last month they attacked
Lhubirira Secondary school, where 38 children were killed, others were put at
risk prior to that, using their domestic cells, the ADF carried out targeted
attacks, on Police officers, at Police stations, other high-profile individuals,
businessmen and communities in Komamboga and Butambala.
Despite these incidents, a resurgence of the ADF, inside the Country, remains
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 radicalisation, 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
socialise. 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, etc.
As the JSA, 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.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
3 rd. July
