I have called this Press briefing to update the country on the level of security, following some distortions by the media and self-styled security analysts. It is true that the events which occurred during the early hours of 1/06/2021, were tragic and shocking to the country. It
was a wake-up call and as security we took effort to diagnose the securily failures in the prevention of the attack, by the hostile actors. For instance, the assailants spent about 55 minutes in the Kisaasi-Kulambiro- Bukoto area, after the attack. A more thorough situational awareness could have prevented the attack and or countered the attackers.
Our teams on foot, motorcycle squads and 999 patrols were not alert. This affected our response in countering the assailants, making cut-off points to confine them within the locality for arrest and adequately securing the scene of crime and its surrounding.
We have firmly reviewed the incident and come up with a very robust program to counter and detect surveillance on such hostile actors to
purposely deny them opportunity to attack again. All our standby teams, mobile squads, advance teams, 999 patrols, motorcycle squads and other security elements must be extra vigilant and effectively coordinate their duties fully.
I want to assure the public and the country at large that we are doing absolutely everything within our means, to find the perpetrators of the attack. Whoever was involved in the planning, preparation and execution of the double murder and attempted assassination will be tracked down and arested.
We have so far received a number of descriptions of the suspects, but will not be releasing any details for the time being. The task team is conducting very objective and thorough investigations. We shall have
more to say when the investigations reveal what exactly happened.
I would also like to use this opportunity to urge all Ugandans and visitors in the country to concert efforts and help control the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just within the last two weeks, we have registered over 6500 new cases of the deadly virus during this second wave.
I am therefore, calling upon all Ugandans and visitors to the country, to strictly observe the Presidential guidelines and Ministry of Health SOPs, while travelling, transporting goods, at work places, in our homes, at all gatherings like funerals, vigils, weddings, worship centres etc.
As Joint Security Agencies, we are going to ensure that the public follow the provisions of the partial lockdown and curfew.
Once again, I would like to reassure all Ugandans and visitors to the country, that Uganda is safe and secure across all border areas and crossing points. We have very robust plans to respond proportionately against all perpetrators of violent crime and lawlessness.
PAUL LOKECH cgsc, (USA)ndc, (RSA)
Maj. Gen
DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
8th June 2021
