Boston blasts: Any lesson for Uganda?

By James Bakama

THE world on Tuesday woke up to news of bomb blasts in the Boston Marathon that left three people dead and 144 injured.

There couldn’t have been worse news as one of the world’s most popular marathons neared its end.

In Uganda there was shock but later on relief as the country realized that it didn’t feature of the death or injury list. But even then, the tragedy again brought forth that critical question of safety levels of sports activities in Uganda.

Scenes of dead bodies being carried away on stretchers and scores of people bleeding on Boston’s streets evoked memories of the July 2010 twin bomb blasts that left 74 people dead at Kabalagala and Kyadondo rugby ground.

So, if a country with the most efficient security can be caught off guard, what about Uganda? The mere thought of this question sends a cold chill down the spine.

MTN Marathon

Not that there are no security measures at major sporting events in Uganda. Indeed there are usually several preparatory measures. But even then you still get that feeling of laxity. A classic example is Uganda’s biggest athletics event — the MTN Marathon.

This is a race where security seems concentrated only at the start and finish. All kinds of characters therefore end up joining the race the moment the huge mass of runners leaves the flag-off point in the annual event.

Is it therefore a surprise that participants can even afford “running” sections of the race on boda bodas? A terrorist would even afford the comfort of a cup of tea as he goes about his business.

Overflowed Namboole

It’s this looseness that has for instance thrice had Namboole packed with over 20,000 people, more than the stadium’s capacity. This laxity boosts the chances of criminals making their way into the crowds.

So, just imagine a bomb going off in the 2005 Uganda versus South Africa match or the Uganda against Kenya encounter in 2011! 

These, would surely be mouth-watering targets for terrorists like Al Shabaab or Al Qaeda. 

So, is it a question of Uganda not being a prime target, or are we just living on God’s mercy?