We must all tackle terrorism

By John Kamya When a bomb went off in a taxi at Mitalamaria, the feeling of insecurity among the travelling public had started to show. Some people had vowed not to travel unless it was absolutely necessary. Terrorists can be counteracted and eliminated if we all join hands to fight them. For travellers the security of parks as well as the vehicles themselves is paramount. Last weekend I caught up with Rev. Ferdinand Atwine Ibabaza, the executive secretary and principal operations manager of UTODA in Kampala district. We discussed the measures in place for the safety of passengers. Atwine emphasises that the job of keeping security is a collective effort of all people in the community and it has to be built on the trust and awareness of the passengers and other stakeholders. "Without this," he says, "even the police cannot do much to achieve this objective." Passengers need to be concerned about who owns each piece of luggage in the taxi. He calls upon all people, especially the LCs and other authorities to sensitise the public on matters of security especially in relation to bomb blasts. On the part of UTODA, an intensive sensitisation programme has been taken up, especially by the many UTODA stage management committees, says Rev. Atwine. The taxi park guards, touts, conductors and drivers have also been alerted. UTODA have devoted their CBS FM every Tuesday at 10:30 am to 1200 pm and on Top Radio, to sensitise the public on matters of fighting terrorism. Rev. Atwine also revealed that UTODA is about to procure bomb detectors (hand probes) at some spots in the parks to check suspicious luggage. The habit of touts and stage guides loading luggage of passengers in the taxi has also been discouraged. "The driver and the conductor should be present at the loading," says Rev. Atwine. UTODA also appeals to all security personnel who are entitled to carry firearms, as well as civilians who posess firearms, to declare them at the relevant UTODA offices before boarding a taxi so that the driver and conductor can be alerted. This will save them from suspicion, embarrassment and possible risk from the public. Atwine also appeals to the terrorists themselves to stop the violent methods of agitating for their interests and look for other peaceful means, given the fact that this is their country too. The system of identifying luggage owners in taxis must be emphasised. Even after the passengers have entered they should identify their luggage again. This is to avoid unaccompanied baggage which may be carrying bombs. Unaccompanied luggage should be left behind. Furthermore every person getting off the taxi should take their luggage with them. Here, passengers need to be very observant and vigilant. Ends