Police caution on personal security ahead of Martyrs' Day

The Police on Monday emphasized pilgrims and other individuals — who plan to visit the holy grounds at the Catholic and Protestant shrines at Namugongo to mark the Friday Martyrs' Day celebrations — to observe  "personal security".

The stage is set and Uganda is ready for the Martyr's Day celebrations that will attract over two million pilgrims to commemorate the 45 ‘forefathers' of Christianity in Africa killed by Kabaka Mwanga between 1885 and 1887.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said the forces will deploy "heavily" and work with "sister agencies" —the Chieftaincy of Military Police, the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces and the Special Forces Command — to prevail.  They will subject pilgrims to a number of screening and the holy grounds will be swept a couple of times to ensure peaceful celebrations.

But he cautioned the pilgrims to not carry any utensils or objects that are breakable and can turn hazardous including vacuum flasks. He said vending of food and other items next to the shrines' perimeters is outlawed; only church items will be sold.

"All the people travelling to Namugongo need to mind their security. They need to be aware of their surrounding and follow orders. They shouldn't carry children and babies to the venue if they can't guarantee their safety," the police spokesperson said.

He also cautioned pilgrims against drinking and taking with then ‘holy' water drawn at the Catholic Martyrs' shrine. The place has newly been renovated. There is a risk of water-borne diseases," he said.