Tight security for Kabaka's coronation anniversary

By Moses Walubiri & Innocent Anguyo

In light of the latest terror threats, police will deploy over 3,000 police officers for Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s 18^th coronation anniversary at Ssentama, Wakiso district today.

The police officers, according to Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi, will man all the routes to Ssentama and all the venue access points.

Ssenkumbi, however, allayed fears that the security cordon which will be at the level of Uganda Martyrs celebrations at Namugongo and Nambole stadium during Uganda Cranes matches will hamstring celebrations.

“We are keen to plug all gaps in light of the terror threats. We call upon all the people to cooperate with the officers because they will be there to ensure their security,” Ssenkumbi told journalists.

Police will clamp down on reckless driving during the coronation anniversary in order to forestall accidents like those that happened during Kabaka’s recent tour of Entebbe, he said.

According to police records, six accidents took place in Entebbe last week during the Kabaka’s tour of the area as part of activities preceding his 18th coronation anniversary.

“We appeal to the public to be cautious and respect other road users during the coronation anniversary celebrations,” Ssenkumbi said.

Police has been forced to raise its security alert a notch higher after international security agencies stumbled upon a plot by international terror suspect of American nationality, Mohammed Liban Haji to sneak into Uganda and cause havoc.

According to intelligence, the terrorist intended to make use of the current Olympic Games calendar to attack public places.

Police has since cautioned revelers against going to places without security control measures.

Meanwhile, police will soon release Liban’s picture to be displayed in public places as efforts to thwart a possible attack gathers pace.

“There is an attempt to get a clearer picture than the one currently in our possession.  When we get it, it will be released for public display,” Ssenkumbi said.

 Uganda has been the subject of terror threat from Islamist radicals following the deployment of Ugandan soldiers in Somalia as part of the African Union’s efforts to pacify the war torn country.

In July 2011, the Somali militant group, the al-Shabaab masterminded terror attacks in Kampala killing over 70 revelers.