By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
The recent terror alert issued by the UK Embassy in Uganda has raised concerns among Ugandans about their safety. The UK government warned its citizens of potential attacks that could target foreign nationals or places frequented by them.
Such alerts have previously been followed by actual incidents, causing fear and panic. However, the Ugandan police have sought to reassure the public and highlight their commitment to combating terrorism in the country. While the specifics of the threat remain uncertain, the police are utilising the shared information to assess the required security measures.
The alert cautioned UK citizens in Uganda about possible attacks that could be indiscriminate or directed at foreign nationals and their favoured locations. This warning has understandably unsettled Ugandans, as previous alerts have often been followed by acts of terrorism.
In response to the concerns raised, Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, told the press that the joint security agencies are steadfast and dedicated to fighting terrorism in Uganda, despite the challenges posed by the limited details provided in the alert.
Enanga acknowledged the UK Embassy’s concerns while highlighting the difficulty faced by the joint security agencies in assessing the precise nature of the threat. The lack of specific information regarding targets, the identities of potential terrorists, and the immediacy of the threats present a challenge in formulating a comprehensive response strategy.
However, he assured the public that the police and other security agencies are utilizing the general information provided to evaluate the necessary protective security measures.
Despite existing threats from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, he emphasised, Uganda remains a peaceful country, and the likelihood of an ADF resurgence within its borders is significantly low.
In this regard, Enanga attributed this to the dismantling of ADF bases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the disruption of their domestic cells, recruitment networks, and radicalization activities.
“I call upon Ugandans to stand united with the security agencies in the fight against terrorism, urging them to promptly report any suspicious activities to the police,” he said. By maintaining vigilance and fostering cooperation, he noted, the community can demonstrate that terrorism has no place in Uganda.
UK Warning
According to the UK foreign office in Uganda, it is essential to maintain a constant state of vigilance, particularly in areas with high population density and public spaces such as hotels, transportation hubs, restaurants, and bars.
It is also important to exercise caution during significant events like sports or religious gatherings and when near government buildings or security installations like police stations.
Past incidents of terrorism and thwarted attacks in Uganda have focused on security forces, venues where football matches were being watched, restaurants, buses, and government buildings.
Terror attacks that have occurred in Uganda
· On 17 June 2023, militants (specifically the Allied Democratic Forces – ADF) carried out an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, located in western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Ugandan police attributed the attack, which resulted in the death of 42 individuals.
· On 16 November 2021, terrorists utilized two explosive devices in central Kampala, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring 33 others. Additionally, the police successfully disarmed two other explosive devices.
· On 25 October 2021, terrorists employed an explosive device on a coach travelling on the Kampala to Masaka road near Mpigi, resulting in the death of one person.
· On 23 October 2021, terrorists utilized an explosive device to target a restaurant in Kamamboga, a suburb in the northeast of Kampala. This attack resulted in the death of one person and several others being injured.
· In 2010, there were bomb attacks in Kampala at venues screening the World Cup final, resulting in the deaths of over 70 people and numerous injuries. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for these attacks and connected them to Uganda’s military presence in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM). They also threatened further attacks in the region.
Efforts are ongoing by the Ugandan authorities to mitigate the risk of future attacks. These efforts may entail implementing supplementary security measures such as conducting baggage and vehicle searches in public locations, including hotels.
A significant global threat of terrorist attacks exists, posing a risk to UK interests and British nationals. This threat encompasses multiple groups and individuals who consider the UK and its citizens as targets. It is imperative to remain constantly vigilant in response to this threat.
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