HOIMA, UGANDA: The police and army have been deployed in various landing sites on Lake Albert in Bunyoro Region more especially in areas near the Uganda-DRC borders in anticipation of ADF attacks from the DRC during the new year celebration.
The deployment was made at Kaiso, Sebagoro, Butiaba, Wanseko, Ndaiga, Bugoma, Kitebere, Nsonga among other landing sites in Kikuube, Hoima, Buliisa, and Kagadi Districts.
Julius Allan Hakiza the Albertine Regional police spokesperson says the deployment was made to counteract terrorism after receiving information that the ADF rebels who are being terrorised by the UPDF in the DRC are planning to attack Uganda during the new year celebration.
“After the raiding of the ADF camps in the DRC by the UPDF, these rebels may attack Ugandans as a way of fighting back the UPDF hence disorganizing peace in the country”. Hakiza said.
Hakiza also warned residents to be vigilant and security conscious through coordinating with the security team deployed in their areas and also report any strange person whom they suspect to be a terrorist.
Security early this week banned fireworks displays, burning tyres and overnight prayers as Ugandans usher in the New Year on Friday 31, December 2021. These have been unmissable rituals on New Year’s Eve, bringing together thousands of revellers from across the country to celebrate the end of the year and usher in the new year in style.
But in the wake of government restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, bars, which often were licensed to display fireworks, have officially remained closed, and the country is still under a nighttime curfew that starts at 7:00 pm and runs until 5:30 am.
According to Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, with such restrictions in place, every person is expected to be indoors on New Year’s Eve adding that the security agencies will deploy personnel in various places to ensure that no one is walking, driving or operating restricted businesses like bars during curfew time.
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