UPDF says 'no possible attack on Kampala'

SECURITY

KAMPALA - The Ugandan army has offered assurance to the public that "there is no any possible attack on Kampala", two days after an "attempted attack" on UPDF bases in Somalia by Al-Shabaab fighters.

According to UPDF spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire, four UPDF soldiers were killed during the Easter Sunday exchange, while six others were injured.

Those hurt "are now stable", he added. More than 30 Al-Shabaab fighters were reported killed in the clashes.

Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, paid tribute to "eight of our soldiers" killed in the latest attack and delivered condolences to their families.

On Tuesday, he tweeted that "our soldiers in Somalia heroically gave serious blows to Al-Shabaab, killing 36 of them and destroying six vehicles full of explosives. This was because they were alert".

"Unfortunately, two vehicles of the enemy entered one of the three sites attacked. One vehicle was detonated and killed eight of our soldiers. May their souls rest in eternal peace. I extend condolences to their families."

Also on Twitter, President Museveni said further: "It is gratifying, however, that the bold but adventurous strategy of Al-Shabaab failed. With constant vigilance, victory is assured. I congratulate our soldiers for the good work they did yesterday, the death of eight of our soldiers not withstanding."

Brig. Karemire said UPDF soldiers will continue to be more vigilant and ready

'Kampala very safe'

In the aftermath of the attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu, where Uganda contributes significantly to the regional peace-keeping mission AMISOM, the UPDF has told Ugandans to get about their business, as there is "no threat".

"The public is assured that there is no any possible attack on Kampala as some media houses (..) have alleged," he tweeted on Monday.

As we continue to mourn the death of our 4 gallant soldiers in AMISOM, the public is asured that there is no any possible attack on Kampala as some media houses like (NBSTV) have alledged. UPDF assure the public that Kampala is safe. The 6 soldiers injured are now stable.

— Brig RichardKaremire (@UPDFspokespersn) April 2, 2018

Appearing in an interview on local TV on Tuesday, Karemire encouraged the public to "go on with their business as usual", maintaining that "Uganda will continue to be protected by all security forces".

"Kampala is very safe and there is no need for anxiety," he said.

The UPDF spokesperson said the Ugandan soldiers in troubled Somalia were found prepared for the "deliberate act" by the Islamist extremists, the reason they managed to "deliver a blow to them".

"UPDF will as well continue working hand-in-hand with Somalia forces to make sure Somalia gets rid of the Al-Shabaab."

Karemire said the remains of the Ugandan soldiers killed could be flown back home today in honour and given a decent sendoff.

The Al-Shabaab, once a dominant force in Somalia, have since lost control of much of the areas they used to control, thanks to the efforts of AMISOM.