Police call for heightened vigilance amid new terror threats

Kampala, (UG): The Ugandan security forces have issued a call for increased vigilance within the public in the wake of the recent terror threats that have led to the recovery of six improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the city.

Speaking at the weekly security briefing on Monday, Police spokesperson SCp Fred Enanga said while they are yet to get any information on a specific impending attack from the recent ones they intercepted, there were concerns over low levels of vigilance in public places.

Enanga told the journalists that the recent operation by intelligence forces led to the recovery of 6 IEDs from Nateete, Rubaga, and Bunamwaya places.

“We wish to inform the public that the threats of terrorism within the country, are still serious after the successful recovery of 6 IEDs within the Kampala Metropolitan areas of Mabiito in Nateete, Ngobe – Bunamwaya, Miracle Centre and in Lungujja,” said Mr Enanga.

He revealed that six suspected were arrested as a result of being found or linked to the explosives, and out of these, two were released while the other four remain in custody pending further investigation.

“Out of the 6 suspects, two were released and 4 who are highly linked to the bomb threats are still in custody. The manhunt for the other suspects is still ongoing,” the police spokesperson explained.

According to Enanga, the Joint Anti-terrorism task team that is investigating the bomb threat continues to pursue several lines of inquiry to establish whether the IEDs are linked, how the devices are prepared, and persons instigating the acts of terrorism.

“For now, we are incredibly grateful to the Joint Task Team, for doing everything possible to keep the public in KMP safe. As a country, we will never be intimidated by terrorism. We will always defeat those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life,” Enanga sounded confidently before the media.

“As we pursue the other conspirators, we urge all Ugandans and visitors in the country, to remain vigilant. The use of IEDs by suspected ADF rebels poses a serious threat to the prevailing peace, safety and security in the country,” he added.

The new police warning came less than a week after the United Kingdom issued a travel advisory over the likelihood of a terrorist attack in Uganda.

The UK in part of its advisory advised British Nationals that; “You should remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and public demonstrations and follow local media for updates. Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can occur without notice throughout the country. See Political situation.”