Ahead of the Independence celebrations, Police has issued a warning of possible assassinations and terror attacks by what it says are criminal elements within and outside Uganda.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by Police on Saturday.
“The Police have intelligence that some criminal elements within and outside the country want to commit heinous crimes against members of the public especially VIPs like Hon Ministers, MPs, Senior executives, security personnel during or after the 9th October when Uganda celebrates her Independence,” Police spokesperson, SSP Emilian Kayima said.
“These could be in form of assassinations and terror attacks in all forms”.
Accordingly, Police have assured the public that security is prepared to decisively fight the crimes. Kayima said that Police will continue to monitor activities and that it has strategically deployed both overtly and covertly to frustrate the criminals’ intentions.
“Even with these initiatives, we continue to appeal to members of the public especially the categories shown above to take extra caution and be vigilant against these possible attacks,” Police stated.
In a bid to avert the possible attacks, the public has been cautioned to be vigilant and alert to avoid being caught off guard by quickly reporting suspicious characters, suspicious phone calls and suspicious movements around your home or office premises.
Police also urged citizens to take appropriate action like calling the Police whenever they spot vehicles or motorcycles that could be following them while driving.
“It is very important to avoid routines, be it in terms of your movements, timings and places visited like shopping centres,” he said.
Individuals in the public are also advised to always inform their family members of their movements as a security precaution.
“It is fair enough to also let them know of your travel plans, persons you intend to meet, expected time of return home and your fears if any”.
In case of an incident where someone goes missing for 24 hours, Police advises relatives to report the matter to the nearest Police station for intervention.
The warning by Police comes at a time when security agencies are struggling to find a solution to the unresolved assassinations of high profile individuals. Just weeks ago, a prominent Police officer, ASP Muhammad Kirumira was gunned down in Bulenga, near Kampala.
In June this year, a former Member of Parliament for Arua municipality, Ibrahim Abiriga was also shot dead by unknown assassins.
