Security tight at Malaba border point
SECURITY has been tightened at the Malaba border point following al-Shabaab terrorist threats in Uganda.
By DANIEL EDYEGU
SECURITY has been tightened at the Malaba border point following al-Shabaab terrorist threats in Uganda.
Joseph Mwesige, the officer-in-charge of Malaba Police Station, on Monday said the anti-terrorism squad, the Police and the UPDF were screening all people and luggage entering the country.
Mwesige said cargo trucks entering through the border were being subjected to thorough security checks to foil any attempts by terrorists from entering the country.
He said similar precautionary measures were being undertaken at Busia border, Lwakhakha and Suam, in Bukwo district.
“Considering what happened last year, we are not taking these threats lightly. We are carrying on both day and night patrols. The luggage, including manufactured commodities are being checked thoroughly, Mwesige said.
He said terrorists were cunning people who could use anything to conceal explosives.
Malaba border is a one-stop centre for all cargo from Mombasa. The border point clears the largest cargo that enters the country. It also clears cargo that is in transit to Rwanda, the DRC and Southern Sudan.
Intelligence information, however, indicates that al-Shabaab insurgents sneaked into the country and are planning to launch attacks on crowded areas and big events.
The al-Shabaab, a Somali-based extremist group, claimed responsibility for last year’s Kampala bombings that killed 79 people and injured several others.
The insurgents are also said to be targeting opposition leaders in the country and the Martyrs’ day event slated for today.
SECURITY has been tightened at the Malaba border point following al-Shabaab terrorist threats in Uganda.
Joseph Mwesige, the officer-in-charge of Malaba Police Station, on Monday said the anti-terrorism squad, the Police and the UPDF were screening all people and luggage entering the country.
Mwesige said cargo trucks entering through the border were being subjected to thorough security checks to foil any attempts by terrorists from entering the country.
He said similar precautionary measures were being undertaken at Busia border, Lwakhakha and Suam, in Bukwo district.
“Considering what happened last year, we are not taking these threats lightly. We are carrying on both day and night patrols. The luggage, including manufactured commodities are being checked thoroughly, Mwesige said.
He said terrorists were cunning people who could use anything to conceal explosives.
Malaba border is a one-stop centre for all cargo from Mombasa. The border point clears the largest cargo that enters the country. It also clears cargo that is in transit to Rwanda, the DRC and Southern Sudan.
Intelligence information, however, indicates that al-Shabaab insurgents sneaked into the country and are planning to launch attacks on crowded areas and big events.
The al-Shabaab, a Somali-based extremist group, claimed responsibility for last year’s Kampala bombings that killed 79 people and injured several others.
The insurgents are also said to be targeting opposition leaders in the country and the Martyrs’ day event slated for today.