Recently, the Ministry of Health revealed that there was a massive drop in the number of COVID-19 related admissions at the health facilities, which was a big relief to many Ugandans and visitors due to the devastating effects of COVID-19, for almost two years. The public complied with the health and safety protocols for fear of infection, death and loss of family members.
And now that COVID-19 has tremendously reduced, members of the public are no longer exhibiting high levels of vigilance, as they go about their daily routines. In our security assessment and evaluations within the Kampala Metropolitan area, major towns and cities, there are high levels of complacency and relaxed behavior, poor access controls, lack of search and screening process at all venues, which is very dangerous.
The level of alertness to terrorism has gone down tremendously. Hardly do you see, public premises, public transport, doing any body checks to deter carrying of bombs, illicit arms/ammo. They only sanitize and that is it. This is dangerous in the midst of increased terror. The recent attack on the Principal Judge is an eye opener. And as was demonstrated in the deadly attacks at CPS, Parliament Avenue and Komamboga, the targets of terrorists are both civilians and security personnel. We must therefore, keep up the momentum in the fight against terrorism and closely monitor our surroundings. As a country, threats of ADF terrorist attacks must be taken seriously, especially in urban areas. From now on, all public places must revive steps to body check any one accessing their premises. These include; offices, business areas, hospitals, schools etc.
Do not let your guard down, the threats are real and we must ensure that we cooperate to defeat terrorism. Ensure that you report to security agencies any suspicious person or packages or bags. The public need to ensure that they know who their neighbors are as much as possible. Be it in areas where you work, or where you reside. The LCs need to step up the long-tested practice of registering all people staying in their zones.
Our Joint Counter-terrorism task teams continue to pursue the remnants of ADF and other emerging hostile groups in the country. It is now 164 days, since the deadly suicide attacks occurred at CPS and Parliament Avenue. We will continue to defend the prevailing peace in our country and prevent the re-emergence of new bases of
As you are all aware, on the 28.02.2022, we issued a statement indicating the role of the Environmental Police Unit, in the enforcement of Noise ordinances, in close coordination with other agencies like NEMA, KCCA, to purposely address the massive complaints from residents and other concerned persons, from mushrooming noise polluting facilities like bars, churches, construction sites, places of entertainment, residence parties, etc. Unwanted sound has the potential of harming human health.
Due to the over whelming complaints to the Environmental Police Unit, we have now tasked all Territorial Commanders in all the 28 Police Regions, to administer the regulations on noise pollution and control. All offices of RPCs, DPCs and D/CIDs are gazetted every two years as environmental inspectors, with powers and privileges to regulate environmental abuse. We are therefore, tasking all RPCs, DPCs, and D/CIDs to liaise with the District and Local environment committees, to regulate all acts of noise pollution in their respective jurisdictions. In addition, they should widen their awareness and sensitization drives, on the recommended noise limits in all facilities and residential areas, during day and night in their communities.
At the Headquarter level, we have plans of engaging all other stakeholders from Parliament, Judiciary, DPP, NEMA, NPA, to address concerns of physical planning, punishments and fines awarded by courts to violators, the licensing standards of facilities that emit noise etc to help promote a healthy environment to the public.
As I conclude, I once again encourage the public to report all noise complaints to the Environment Police Unit on telephone numbers 0713-534925 or the office of the DIGP on toll free number 0800300115 or the nearest police unit. A quiet, peaceful and healthy living environment is our priority.
MAJ GEN. KATSIGAZI TUMUSIIME psc, ndc
Deputy Inspector General of Police
29th April 2022
