As you all aware, the 29th Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF), will take place from the 3rd -10th, October, 2023, at the UMA show grounds, under the theme “Driving Manufacturing and Trade Efficiency through Digital Transformation and Innovation”. The annual UGITF is one of the biggest national calendar events that attracts local, regional, and international manufacturers, traders, distributors, from various sectors, who will showcase a variety of high quality products and services.This year, 2023, we expect more than 300,000 visitors, including Heads of State, high profile businesspersons, politicians, celebrities, students, researchers and other participants, who will have an opportunity to tour all the exhibition centers, build partnerships and exchange ideas.
As always, the Joint Security Agencies, have been an incredible partner to the UMA growth. Despite the few existing threats, in the country, we would like to inform the organizers and the public, that there are no specific threats directed towards the event. Public safety and security is guaranteed. We have mobilized sufficient manpower, both overt and covert, and logistical resources, to counter all forms of threats, vulnerabilities and eventualities, towards the event. Our security detail, comprises of dedicated teams from General Duties, Field Force Unit (FFU), Counter Terrorism, Traffic, Joint Intelligence (ISO, CMI and Crime Intelligence), K9, Fire Brigade, Medical, ICT, CID, UPDF and SFC, among others, who will maintain a heightened presence, throughout the event.
In addition, we have profiled the surrounding areas and mapped out routes for patrols, on foot, motorcycles, vehicles as well as aerial surveillance, using UAVs. We have opened up a command center, with CCTV, that will monitor all movements of persons and motor vehicles, 24/7 throughout the 7 day, Trade Fair.
The Inspector General of Police, has encouraged all Ugandans and visitors, to attend this years’ Trade Fair and celebrate our entrepreneurs. As the Police, we also found it important to share, safety and security tips to the exhibitors and other attendees, to help guard against criminals who may wish to take advantage of the popular Trade Fair.
a) Customers and Visitors
· Do not forget that criminals also mark the calendars for these action packed events, with vast quantities of merchandise in one place.
· Follow the Trade show setup instructions to the letter
· Carry your national ID or other relevant identification documents at all times.
· Set your goals and make a comprehensive list of what you need.
· Do not let children or elderly persons stray away
· Do not leave your mobile phone in the open. Thieves are swift and can grab a phone from a hand or table. Laptops and phones are most sought after items.
· Keep valuables like wallets and ladies purses out of sight.
· Do not leave your eats and drinks unattended. Also keep drinking to a minimum, because its risky to get drunk in a public place.
· Ensure you have transport to and fro. Avoid lifts from strangers, unsafe bodabodas and cabs or taxis. Always have a plan on how to return home safely.
· Do not wear expensive jewelry, bracelets and watches. They help identify you to a thief.
· No tolerance for any acts of violence and disruptive behavior.
· Those that are new in Kampala City, try to schedule your arrival during daytime, to avoid late night concerns.
· The Trade show is highly secured, but the risk of your safety may be higher, before or after.
· Be careful when in the bathrooms. Check them out.
· Be courteous. If greeted, respond in kind. Connections with like minded people in your sector or industry is very beneficial.
· Cashless transactions are encouraged.
· Move in twos or groups. Safety is in numbers.
· Observe the parking area for any strange behavior or activity.
· Do not wait to place valuables in the trunk after parking, to avoid alerting criminals.
· Always park your car, with the front or nose, facing out. Escape and survival is your personal goal.
· In case of theft or other victimization, report to the police.
b) Exhibitors
· Ensure the Trade show display is secure and stable.
· Safeguard your exhibition center and keep a close eye for any damage against your valuable items.
· Ensure each team member knows their specific role.
· Official permits. Obtain all necessary permits in connection to your participation. Comply with all the regulations therein.
· Provide one-on-one attention to each customer and show only one item at a time.
· Watch out for “switch thefts”, where an item is swapped. So carefully re-examine each piece after it is handled or checked by a customer.
· Use social media for promoting your brand. But avoid details like amounts.
· Never leave the display unattended at any part of the day
· Additional security cameras are relevant
· No matter the tight security at the trade show, stay alert and acquaint yourself with crisis and emergency exits.
· Always have a First Aid kit at hand.
· Use escort or armored services when transporting valuable goods.
· Be vigilant. Watch out for visitors who avoid eye contact, wear big hats and those trying to distract you.
c) General (organizers, security, customers etc.)
· Thorough screening processes, due to the high volume of people.
· We have installed walk-through metal detectors, and will conduct visual inspections of bags and other items.
· Manning all entrances.
· Use of K9 security sweeps.
· Implement safe trade show exhibit features, safety signage and hand sanitizing stations.
· Avoid lowering your guard after the opening day. Exercise caution and be wary of risks.
· If you see a suspect or any suspicious activity, alert security or the organizers.
· Security personnel will conduct random spot checks of individuals regularly. Fully cooperate with them.
· Drugs and weapons in wrong hands are prohibited
· Fire Brigade access zones must be kept open at all times for ease of access.
· Incase of serious medical emergencies, standby medical teams from the Police, UPDF, MoH, and organizers are in place to attend to any health concerns.
· For any other police or security matter, please call the National Operations Command Center on 0800199699, 0707600773 or 0776999136.
We wish all exhibitors, guests, well-wishers a successful and fulfilling, Trade Show, 2023. I thank you for listening to me.
SCP Fred Enanga
Police Spokesman
02.10.2023
