Police tighten security ahead of Christmas

Police officers led by Central Police Commander Joseph Bakaleke patrol Luwum Street. Photo by Lawrence Mulondo.

The Police have tightened security ahead of Christmas and New Year festive seasons, warning that wrong elements could take advantage of the busy period to launch another terror attack on Uganda

The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Emilian Kayima, said that the police had beefed up security ahead of the major festive days to counter any possible terror strike. Speaking from his office at the Central Police Station, Kayima warned that terrorists might utilize the Christmas and New Year celebrations to launch an attack.

"Terrorists have not gone away. We have had not had any major incidents for some time but that does not mean that they have gone away, we have to prepare for them as usual," he said.

In July 2010, the Al-Shabaab terrorists based in Somalia, with strong links to Al-Qaeda group claimed responsibility of two major suicide bombings on people watching the screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds and the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala, a Kampala city suburb. At least over 78 people perished in the two incidents. 

 He said the major security focus during the festive days would be towards ensuring that all spots which attract big gatherings tighten up security and deal with any possible loopholes that might be used by wrong elements.

Large gatherings include worship centers like Churches, entertainment spots, taxi and bus parks, markets and shopping centers like commercial arcades that could be easy prey by criminals.

"We fear terrorists might target such soft targets to surprise us, we have therefore been moving to all managers of such spots to ensure that they put in place enough preparations ahead," he explained.

Kayima however warned owners of the major public facilities against employing untrained private security guards.