Police issue security guidelines for Papal visit

Nov 27, 2015

Police have issued security guidelines for Pope Francis visit to Uganda.

Police have issued security guidelines for Pope Francis visit to Uganda.

PRESS RELEASE
We would like to inform all pilgrims and the general public that they will be subjected to thorough security before accessing the papal events at Namugongo and Kololo Independence Ceremonial grounds respectively.

The public / pilgrims may therefore, face some temporary inconveniences, for which they are advised to come early, to allow additional time, for security screening.

And although, this is the same process, we always go through every 3rd, June, on the Uganda Martyrs day, this visit is unique and an event of special interest to national security due to the international and symbolic value it holds.
As a security precaution and to guard against inconveniences, the following safety measures are advised at the papal events.

1.    Prohibited Items
Firearms and ammunitions [either real or simulated]; explosives of any kind, including fireworks; knives, blades or sharp objects (of any length), including pocket or hand tools, pepper spray, sticks, poles or sign supports, glass containers, packages, backpacks, large bags and suitcases; thermoses or coolers, alcoholic beverages; animals, air horns [vuvuzelas], aerosol sprays, signs or posters, portable chairs [other than for disabled persons].
And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security manning the access points.

2.    Access
All VIPs wishing admittance must have their invitation or accreditation tags with them; and should seek further guidance from the protocol team. While all the other members of the public, pilgrims, visitors will be admitted upon passing the screening process to the public designated area.

All areas in the papal schedule around Namugongo, Munyonyo and Kololo will be restricted to vehicular access from the 27th -29th November, 2015, apart from the VIP vehicles with stickers.
At Kololo the public is advised to park at Lugogo indoor stadium and or other locations outside the perimeter area as shall be advised by traffic.

3.    Conduct
To avoid embarrassments, all pilgrims, visitors and the general public, inside the venue are advised to avoid unnecessary movements. They should be orderly during mass, and be prepared to stay within their sections for the duration of the papal event.

4.    Children/Elderly Persons
All parents and guardians are advised to take extra care and consideration when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly or anyone with a weak immune system. This is because there are no child cares or advanced facilities to cater for them, in addition to increased security and space constraints.

5.    Arrival time
The public is advised to arrive at namugongo on the eve of the papal event, Friday, 27th November, 2015, or two hours before the ceremony on Saturday, 28th, November, 2015, and at Kololo Ceremonial Independence  grounds by 8:00 am, the following day, Saturday, 28th, November, 2015, due to road closures and restricted entry.

6.    Dress code
There is no official dress code for the papal event; however, all pilgrims, visitors and the general public are advised to dress decently. They must take considerations of the partly rainy season, standing over long periods of time; consider wearing comfortable shoes and or warm clothing.

7.    Medication
All pilgrims and visitors must be aware of the location of first aid stations and emergency medical centers, available at the venues. The attendant emergency medical teams will ensure anyone, who experiences any health problems during the papal event is quickly and effectively taken care of.

8.    Water at the lake
The public is cautioned against bathing and drinking water from the manmade lake known as “kayanja”, which is believed to contain holy water, due to hygienic concerns that can lead to diarrhea and cholera.

9.    Food/Drinks
The public is discouraged from carrying foods and drinks to the venues. Food and drinks shall be served at eating joints inspected by the public health officials and deemed fit for human consumption. They must therefore, not eat food from non gazetted persons or food handlers.

10.    Vending
All vendors are prohibited from all places where the Pope will be holding meetings and discussions. A designated area for trading is available, and will cater for all vending activities.

11.    Electronic gadgets
Electronic gadgets like cellular phones, cameras etc. are discouraged; and shall therefore, be subjected to further screening. Upon clearance the public is advised to turn off phones or set to vibrate before the program begins.

12.    Lodging
Historically, hotels and lodging facilities around namugongo area fill up soon. The pilgrims and visitors are advised to contact the police or local council officials, on the suitability and security measures in place before booking for accommodation. It is significant to make early hotel bookings.

13.    Transport
Public means will only stop at the public designated area or drop points. Due to the tremendous turn out for the event, all pilgrims and visitors are urged to plan early.

These public safety measures are very crucial in making the papal visit a huge success.

CP Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police

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