Lira, (UG):- The Police at North Kyoga Police Region have called for vigilance from members of the public, and timely reporting in case of any problem as they join the rest of Ugandan in celebrating its 62nd Independence Day today, (Wednesday, October 9, 2024).
Speaking to DailyExpress, North Kyoga Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said although there are no credible security threats in regard to the celebrations, police are well prepared to tactically respond to any eventualities.
“It is not a new day, it is a day we have been celebrating. As police, we want to give our assurance and preparedness that we are ready to secure this day. Our CCTV cameras are on. We shall be conducting intelligence-led operations as well as having motorized and foot patrol,” Mr Okema said.
In Otuke District, George Abdul Omongi, the Resident District commissioner said they are well prepared to ensure the safety of residents of Otuke as they join the rest of Uganda to celebrate Independence Day.
Francis Ogwang, the LC3 Chairman of Adwir Sub County, Alebtong district and head of security at the sub-county said the community should not fear because he [Ogwang] and other security structures are on standby to respond where security could arise.
“As head of security of my sub-county, I call upon all the people to be calm as they celebrate this day. Don’t be extravagant in other issues of the family because it’s just an original day,” Ogwang said.
In Apac District, the deputy Resident District commissioner, Joan Apio said that besides security preparedness as a district, her office is alerting the community, especially women to desist from reckless spending that in turn leads to poverty in households.
Ms Apio noted that women are on top of their families and in the development of the economy of Uganda. “Mothers are really on top. They are struggling. You go to the main street and see somebody carrying bananas, somebody carrying tomatoes. It is a mother. They are struggling to ensure that their children are educated, the children are brought up in a good way,” she explained.
She further called upon all mothers to avoid extravagance spending on an independent day alone because what is essential for now is peace. “Take it as a normal day and there is no one who will imitate you for not eating meat. Just make sure that you hold your hands together.”
“You work together and you pray with the time. God is going to lift that man and all of you shall be lifted” Apio added.
For Omoro District, the Resident District Commissioner, Emanuel Ojok said they have deployed security operatives on hotspot locations in the district to ensure that no eventuality takes them by surprise.
“The situation is calm in the entire district, but we can’t take it for granted about those other hotspots. We are putting measures to see that we are not taken at that rate. We are not saying anything is going to happen, but of course, with all security, you need to be prepared in case of any eventuality,” Mr Okot explained.
Uganda’s 62nd independence anniversary celebrations are this year being hosted at Busikho Primary Teachers’ College in Busia District under the theme: “Independence Day: A recommitment to secure and fortify our destiny”
Uganda, like many African countries, was subjected to decades of British colonial rule, with its political, social, and economic systems shaped to serve the interests of the empire.
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