The Joint Security Forces have heightened security at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations.
Martyrs Day Celebrations will be held on June 3, 2022, at the Holy Shrines and Sites in Namugongo, Kampala.
According to Police Spokesperson, CP Fred Enanga, there will be four different venues where pilgrims are expected to gather.
These include; Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo the Anglican Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo and Mamra Prayer Centre.
In addition, the pilgrims at the Muslim Shrine in Namugongo are also expected to gather in large numbers.
According to the religious leaders, at all these venues, thousands of people are anticipated to gather and participate in the events from all over the world.
Enanga ensured the public that currently, there are no credible or specific threats directed towards the Uganda Martyrs Celebrations.
“Our Joint Security Task Teams are camped at all the 4 venues and continue to review our level of preparedness and assessments of threats and vulnerabilities towards the popular religious celebrations. We have worked on intelligence and analysis, profiled all venues, hotels and hotspots in the area to help identify potential risks and taken steps on how to address them,” he said.
He revealed that there are standby teams, mobile squads, advance teams, 999 patrols, motorcycle squads which are part of the multi-layered security posture.
“This is in addition of the cyber and ICT teams using CCTV cameras to effectively monitor the conduct and movement of pilgrims at the shrines and the routes they will use.”
The Joint UPF and UPDF Airwing will conduct aerial surveillance.
He urged pilgrims, faith-based tourists and well-wishers to remain vigilant and focused while at any of the venues.
“You are further advised to carry your ID or other identification documents, keep an eye on your personal belongings, wallet, mobile phones, and other objects of value; avoid leaving elders or children alone, be wary of strangers, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, let the family and friends know where you are,” he said.
“Those who can make use of the UPF – MOBI APP, can call the nearest police unit or our National Operations Emergency Centre at Police Headquarters, Naguru to enable them to attend to you easily on 0800199699, 0707600773, 0776999135.”
He added: “We want to also encourage the pilgrims to be aware of their physical health and condition. They should not take risks by subjecting themselves to perseverance, hunger, thirst, standing for long, over congesting and other risky practices. In case of any signs of weakness, seek for immediate medical attention. In addition, its important to follow the rules at all venues, take care of the common facilities, milestones, signs, information panel and respect the pathway rules.”
Enanga said, as a security precaution, items like aerosols, ammunition, animals other than police K-9 dogs, backpacks exceeding size restrictions, balloons, bicycles, unmanned aerial vehicles like drones other than for security, explosives, firearms, glass, thermos, metallic containers, pepper spray and any other items determined to be a potential hazard to the public event, are prohibited.
He assured the public of police’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a very successful religious pilgrimage at all venues.