As our country, continues to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we urge all Ugandans and visitors in the country, to remain vigilant in the face of the threats posed by COVID-19. As the Joint Security Agencies, we remain concerned due to the very high levels of complacence, exhibited by several members of the public. This degree of laxity in behaviour is also attributed to the declining COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and fatalities. Such behaviours are very risky amidst the continued existence of the virus in the country.
Much as our enforcement operations continue against COVID-19 offenders and defaulters, enforcement still remains a last resort, and it is against this background that we urge all eligible Ugandans and visitors in the country, to ensure they are vaccinated. Vaccination has been proven to give extra protection to yourself, your family and the community you interact with on a daily basis.
We also wish to inform the public that in the last two months of August and September, our Joint Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Teams managed to arrest a suspect of domestic terror from Pader district, while assembling a suicide vest, in preparation for a suicide attack. An additional suspect, identified as Nsubuga Hamid, was put out of action, during attempts to have him arrested. A pistol and 25 ammunitions were recovered on him and exhibited.
According to the documents retrieved so far, there are sleeper cells in existence, with plans to attack security personnel, VIP installations and selected politicians. Also recovered are materials used in the making and use of improvised electronic devices, petrol and plastic bombs, etc.
We are, however, not elevating our alert levels, because the threats are not imminent in nature, and are being countered by our joint task teams. As we conclude, we wish to caution and remind all Ugandans and visitors in the country to remain vigilant in the face of terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we want to caution the youth, who are being exploited to promote violent activity, to desist from such unlawful acts.
Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
11th October 2021
