AFCON 2019: POLICE WARN PEOPLE OF TERROR ATTACKS

By Our Reporter

www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala

Two days after the American embassy issued a terror alert warning its citizens of a planned attack by terrorists targeting crowded and high-end places, the Uganda Police force has also warned residents to be vigilant as they watch the Africa Cup of nations in bars and clubs.

According to the statement issued by the Director Counter Terrorism Abas Byakagaba, the police had received credible intelligence reports of possible intention by terrorists, “to conduct simultaneous or isolated attacks on Uganda and another East African Country, targeting unspecified areas/facilities including those facilitated by foreign nationals.”

On Thursday, the US embassy in Kampala issued terror alert for possible attacks on Uganda, This was after the US embassy in Dar es Salaam also issued a terror alert in Tanzania warning its citizens to stay alert.

“There are rumors of impending attacks in areas frequented by expats within East Africa, including Uganda.  The Embassy has no substantiating evidence of the threat or information on the timing, but nonetheless warns citizens to take the precautions,” the US Embassy noted.

The US citizens were asked to among others, be aware of their surroundings, avoid crowds, monitor media for updates, and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.

Byakagaba directed all police commanders with immediate effect, implement tough security measures which include, instructing all personnel at places of deployment to remain alert. He also wants the police commander to conduct, “Security inspections and snap checks on all crowded places and those that normally host foreign nationals for whatever purposes.”

He also wants police to ensure that they properly monitor all public places that will host the Africa Cup of Nations matches from the start which was Friday, June 21, 2019 to the final day of the tournament July 19^th, 2019 and ensure increased security in all those places that intend to conduct public viewing of the matches.

The Counterterrorism boss also wants “enhance focused counterterrorism deployments, patrols, surveillance, and intelligence operations in areas of responsibility.”

Police commanders are also required to activate alert squads on alertness of personnel on duty. They are also required to, “watch out for suspicious individuals, vehicles and motorists, both parked and in motion especially at venues or any crowded places that normally hosts foreign nationals and any other objects since explosives devices can be disguised to look like ordinary items.”

Police are also required to work with sister security forces including control to places that conduct routine checks and those that normally do not do so.

Police Commanders are also required to enhance the protection of stations, barracks, and other vital installations.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango noted that they had deployed in critical areas to ensure the public and vital installations were protected.

The warning comes in the wake of the arrest of 3 Kenyan who were intercepted on Friday by the Uganda Revenue Authority as they were being smuggled in a registered truck KCT 230T concealed in wooden boxes. They have since been handed to Internal Security Organisation which is treating them as terrorist suspects.

On July 11, 2010, the Al-Shabab carried out two suicide bombings against crowds watching a screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final match in Kyadondo Rugby grounds and the Ethiopian restaurant in Kabalagala. The attacks left over 74 people dead and 71 injured.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
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