The purpose of this Press briefing is to inform the country of the security preparations for Swearing-in and Inaugural Ceremony of the President elect scheduled for 12th May 2016.
Let me begin by congratulating the people of Uganda upon achieving this major milestone in the nation’s election calendar because the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect marks the completion of the Presidential elections’ calendar, and formation of a new government.
On behalf of JOC which comprises of all security agencies, I convey my appreciation to all Ugandans for your cooperation to the joint security forces which enabled largely peaceful and secure national elections.
The security preparations for the Swearing-in Ceremony are, obviously, in response to anticipated crime and security threats which include among others terrorism, civil disobedience, armed criminal violence as well as common crime.
To enhance general security, joint security forces are, already patrolling the City, municipalities, major towns as well as strengthening boarder security. As we move closer to the event, patrols and other security measures will be enhanced.
Further, we are, also, putting in place specific measures to ensure security and safety prior to, during, and after the event. One, to facilitate movement of the high profile visitors that have been invited for the event, we have decided to reduce traffic congestion on the Entebbe-Kampala highway. Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, traffic to Entebbe airport, Entebbe municipality and surrounding areas will be diverted to the new the Entebbe Express Highway, which though still under construction, is motorable. The Director of Traffic and Road Safety will give you a detailed brief on this traffic plan.
Two, we held consultative meeting with transporters (Lorry operators) and resolved that Lorries carrying building materials shall be diverted from Entebbe highway, and restrict movement within the Central Business District for a period of 4 days.
Three, on fuel and lubricants, all fuel tankers transporting fuel and other lubricants whether into the country or in transit shall be escort from the border either to their destinations or the respect border through which they are to transit. We shall not allow fuel tankers to pass through the City centre. We have arranged that fuel tankers from our Eastern border heading to the West, or North through the Northern corridor shall be diverted at Seeta through Namugongo to the Northern by-pass.
Fuel tankers supplying fuel in the City centre shall park at Multiple Tank Yard at Nakawa near the URA offices and shall then be escorted.
Fuel tankers supplying fuel to Entebbe town and Entebbe Airport shall also park at Multiple Tank-Yard at Nakawa and shall then be escorted to Entebbe.
No purchasing or carrying of fuel in jerrycans or buverra shall be allowed.
On terrorism, we recently registered success, when with the support of Kenya Police and other friendly security agencies, arrested two suspected terrorists by the names of Nuseiba Mohamad Hajji and Fatuma Muhammad Hanshi, who are Somalis of Kenyan origin. The two female suspects were arrested and handed over to Kenyan authorities last week. However, another suspected terrorist, Ahmed Hish and Farah Dagane, who fled Kenya after his accomplices were arrested, has been traced to have entered Uganda. We are hunting for him.
Incidentally, we have obtained information that there are people planning to burn markets and some buildings within the city and upcountry towns. We call upon the public to cooperate as usual, be vigilant and report any suspicious person(s) or item(s) or situation.
Gen Kale Kayihura
Inspector General of Police
9th May, 2016
