Mistaken identity: Terror suspects released in Kampala

Jul 05, 2014

Two Eritrean men in Kampala, initially linked with terror activity, are released.

By Charles Etukuri

KAMPALA - Two Eritrean men who were arrested on Friday n Kampala have been released after an intensive investigation and search at their residence failed to link them to any terror plot.

According to initial reports from eyewitnesses, one of the suspects had disguised himself and was dressed like a woman.

They were arrested at around 10am local time (EAT) at Sparkles Salon based at Forest Mall after the salon manager tipped the police. But it later turned out that this was a case of mistaken identity.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the arrest but said police later released the duo after an intensive search carried out at their homes revealed that they were not linked to terrorists or any terrorism act.

“We did not recovery any suspicious items in their homes and they were staying here genuinely and had all the relevant documents to justify their stay,” he said.

He urged the public to remain calm and thanked them for their vigilance.

The incident came a day after the U.S embassy issued a statement warning its citizens planning to travel through Entebbe International airport stating that they had received credible intelligence of a likely terror attack targeting the Ugandan parliament.

According to a saloon attendant, they became suspicious of the two after the one who dressed as a woman wanted to do a pedicure and manicure.

They also wanted to remove tattoos on their bodies," said one of the salon attendants.

The attendant immediately alerted the manager who in turn called police, who eventually olice stormed the salon and cordoned off Forest Mall as they carried out the arrests.


Other stories related to terror activity

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Warning of terrorist threat to Uganda churches

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