By Francis Emorut         

The security chiefs were told to encourage personnel to be more alert and immediately report any situation that may constitute a threat or suspicious activity.

A counter terrorism security expert informed participants that in order to fight global terrorism, there is need to adopt advanced technologies which he termed as a ‘new era in security solutions’.

Enock Makanga said the strategy involves purchasing high-tech equipment like metal detectors (walkthroughs and hand-held) and mounting CCTV cameras at strategic positions in the hotels.

But the Federal Bureau of Investigations-trained expert warned of fake equipment that is increasingly flooding the market.

He said a new era of security solutions in Africa will also depend on developing bomb threat information forms that will assist in investigations.

Makanga implored hotel managers to institute random security guard shift changes, encourage personnel to take notice and report suspicious packages, devices, and unattended briefcases— and to leave such objects intact.

The hotel managers were advised to take seriously any threatening or malicious telephone call or bombs.

“If such a call is received, obtain and record as much information as possible to assist in the identification of the caller. Record the time of the call, the exact words, any distinguished features of the caller and any background noise,” Makanga said.

He also told the scores of security managers to arrange for security and Police vehicles to be parked randomly near entrances and exits and increase the visibility of security personnel within the facility.

Makanga, who is a chief executive officer of GM Security made the remarks during the training of security personnel at Kati-Kati in Kampala.

The training was targeted at educating hotel security personnel on the threats of terrorism globally and to equip them with counter measures, knowledge and skills.

The assistant commissioner of Police – counter terrorism – Lodovick Awita informed the security managers that the threat of terrorism in the East African region is real and therefore vigilance is key.

He pointed out that terrorists who are a threat in the region include the Lord Resistance Army, Allied Democratic Forces, al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab.

The security manager of Bugolobi Royal Suites, Christopher Kiyonga emphasized the need for more training of security personnel to combat terror threats and welcomed the initiative of training security managers in the country.

The GM Security offers security services such as private investigations, armed and unarmed security guards, electronic security solutions, fire safety management and response and armed emergency response and counter terrorism training and others.