Police Beefs Up Security

Security has been placed on alert to avert any terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting the Christmas festivities, reports Anne Mugisa and Solomon Muyita. The Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Katumba Wamala, told the press at the Kibuli Police headquarters on Wednesday, that cartels of terrorists could still be here operating covertly. He said heightened security at Entebbe International Airport will still be stringent, though it will inconvenience travellers. “People have complained about the tight security at the airport but it will be there and even more stringent during this period,” Katumba said. “The situation is now different from that before the September 11, World Trade Centre attacks, which changed the way of doing business,” he said. Wamala advised owners of hotels, bars and shopping centres to be on the alert and screen their clients. He urged the public to keep clear of suspicious objects and report such cases to the Police Wamala said Police is carrying out overt and covert operations to stem likely robbery attacks during the season. He said the public must take precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to robbers. “We are likely to experience a rise in crime especially robbery. Police is on full alert to deal with the crime,” Wamala said. He said Police recently arrested 80 people, some of whom were selling aviation fuel to street children to sniff. He said the Police has since June recovered 69 illicit AK47 guns and a number of pistols from criminals. Police has also arrested some thugs and killed 35 in a fire exchange. He said in October alone, Police recovered 17 guns from criminals. Wamala said they had removed vendors from the areas around banking places because they create a conducive atmosphere for robbers. Ends