News
Police tighten security as North Kyoga braces for Independence celebrations
Okema said highways are expected to be busy, while entertainment venues and places of worship will attract large gatherings, leaving some homes unattended and potentially exposing them to opportunistic criminals.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema. (File photo)
By: Hudson Apunyo, Journalist @New Vision
_________________
LIRA CITY — Police in North Kyoga Region have stepped up security ahead of Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on Friday, October 9, warning criminals against taking advantage of large public gatherings and unattended homes to commit offences.
The warning was issued by North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema in a statement dated October 7.
Thousands of residents are expected to travel, attend entertainment venues and worship centres during the celebrations.
Okema said highways are expected to be busy, while entertainment venues and places of worship will attract large gatherings, leaving some homes unattended and potentially exposing them to opportunistic criminals.
He warned that such circumstances could lead to offences including housebreaking and theft, phone and bag snatching, simple and aggravated robbery, road accidents and domestic misunderstandings.
Police, therefore, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions to protect their property and personal belongings.
“We would like to assure the public of our readiness, preparedness and commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration,” Okema said.
He said adequate security measures had been put in place, including both overt and covert deployments across the region.
Police, therefore, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions to protect their property and personal belongings.
“We would like to assure the public of our readiness, preparedness and commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration,” Okema said.
He said adequate security measures had been put in place, including both overt and covert deployments across the region.
Police further cautioned members of the public against excessive consumption of alcohol, saying it could contribute to disorderly conduct and other incidents that could compromise the safety and enjoyment of the celebrations.
Okema called on residents and other stakeholders to remain alert, practise neighbourhood watch and cooperate with security personnel by promptly reporting suspicious activities or matters requiring police attention.
He said all territorial commands, including District Police Commanders, had developed operational orders and clear deployment plans in coordination with sister security agencies.
The deployments, he said, would remain in place before, during and after the Independence Day celebrations to maintain law and order.
“Our readiness, preparedness and commitment to securing the day is undoubtable,” Okema said.
He wished residents across North Kyoga and other Ugandans a joyous and peaceful Independence Day
Okema called on residents and other stakeholders to remain alert, practise neighbourhood watch and cooperate with security personnel by promptly reporting suspicious activities or matters requiring police attention.
He said all territorial commands, including District Police Commanders, had developed operational orders and clear deployment plans in coordination with sister security agencies.
The deployments, he said, would remain in place before, during and after the Independence Day celebrations to maintain law and order.
“Our readiness, preparedness and commitment to securing the day is undoubtable,” Okema said.
He wished residents across North Kyoga and other Ugandans a joyous and peaceful Independence Day