Police, Vatican security monitor Namugongo ahead of papal visit

By Simon Masaba

The residents of Namugongo, a Wakiso district suburb that is home to the Uganda Martyrs Shrines, are learning to get accustomed to new measures set up by the Police and Vatican security teams.

The teams have for the last two weeks been prowling around the area as part of measures to beef up security ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to the martyrs’ shrines next month.

Namugongo is home to three religious shrines for the Catholic, Anglican and Muslim faith. Currently, all access to all sites is restricted as renovation works progress amid tight security.

Pope Francis will tour the Christian shrines during his three-day stay in Uganda and say a mass at the Catholic martyrs Basillica.

The shrines are pilgrimage sites set up in memory of about 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs. They were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886 after they refused to renounce their faith.

Before the Catholic and Anglican martyrs, about 70 Muslim martyrs were killed and a site exists in their memory in the same area.

Armed Police officers and plain clothes security teams are a common sight in the neighbourhood.

Eldad Musani, a retail shop owner, says the security teams have been randomly interviewing the residents for personal details.

“I was asked if we (family) expect any visitors soon,” Musani said.

He revealed that the security teams have also asked residents to submit their names and those of their dependents.

Musani was, however, told not to be afraid since it was a normal security procedure.

He supports the exercise, saying it will help eliminate criminals, who have been operating from the area.

“Since the exercise kicked off about a week ago, I feel safer,”Musani said.

The Police’s counter-terrorism unit is in charge of monitoring security in the area.

The Kampala east regional Police commander, Siraje Bakaleke, yesterday chaired a seven-hour meeting with local security officers, vendors, bodaboda riders and taxi operators.

Police mobile communication and surveillance vans fitted with long range visual cameras are stationed outside the Catholic shrine as security officers keenly monitor the place (Namugongo).

Bakaleke said there will be instant swoops in the areas of Nakawa, Banda, Kireka, Bweyogerere to Seeta. Other localities include Ntinda-Kigowa, Kiwatule-Najjera-Buwate-Kira town council.

“In light of terror threats, we do not want to take chances. We have our forces and equipment for operational and emergency response, ready to ensure that everyone is safe,” he said.

Pope’s Walk boost in pictures

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Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga receiving a cheque of sh1.1m from students of Vienna College Namugongo yesterday as contribution towards the Pope’s Walk campaign. Right is the school’s headmaster Mohammed KakiikaVision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga receiving a cheque of sh1.1m from students of Vienna College


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Claire Aganya (right) and Phionah Ampeire, the proprietors of Book point Uganda,located at Village Mall Bugolobi, handing over sh1m to Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga. Left is Vision Group circulation manager Joseph Lwanga. Photos by Joseph Mutebi



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The Shrine Rector of Munyonyo, Fr. Dr. Marion Golob Kajubi, listens to the executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority, Jenifer Musisi. On Wednesday, Musisi visited the Munyonyo martyr’s shrine that is under construction in preparation for the Pope’s visit next month. Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu

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Kabushenga receiving sh3m from the CEO of Uganda Kolping Society, Aloysius Mugasa (centre) as their contribution towards the Pope’s walk. Left is General manager Of Kampala Kloping Hotel

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Police, Vatican security monitor Namugongo ahead of papal visit