New Year Festivals: Uganda Security Services Prep to Counter Possible Acts of Terror

Police and sister security agencies have heightened their alert levels as the year comes to an end today, Chimp Corps report.

According to security agencies, this has been in anticipation of a security threat looming around the celebrations tonight.

In a security briefing held on Monday at Police headquarters in Naguru, spokesperson Fred Enanga pointed out that there are specific threats for an attack on New Year’s Day but didn’t specify where exactly.

“We are monitoring closely the recent terrorist attacks in Somalia, and have adjusted our plans, both overt and covert,” he said.

Al Shabaab has in recent months stepped up deadly bombings in Mogadishu, Somalia where Ugandan troops have been capturing territory from the terror group.

Police fear Al Shabaab or other terrorist groups could try attacks in Kampala.

Enanga said the public will continue witnessing visible security presence with police patrols and additional security from the military and LDUs in crowded places.

He said an additional layer of protection comprises specialist units at selected locations, with the right intervention and response capabilities to counter all forms of hostilities.

The forces are being deployed along with our k9 unit.

Enanga said use of CCTV and other automated and scientific methods form part of the security master plan to meet any threats as people celebrate the end of a year and usher in New Year.

“We further call upon the public to put security on the top of their “must have” lists this New-Year; by being extra vigilant and on the lookout for any suspicious persons and behavior and inform the police,” he emphasised.

Police also strongly warned anyone putting other people’s lives at risk or disrupting the peace and safety of others, that they will be dealt with accordingly.

There shall be no burning of tyres, firing of bullets as part of celebrations.

The police in close coordination with emergency service units and lifeguards along all beaches warned holiday makers and revelers to usher the New Year, in a safe and responsible manner.

Special teams have been deployed in urban centres who will be targeting alcohol related acts of violence and anti-social behavior, according to Enanga.

Beach goers have also been cautioned not go swimming unless they are in a well-defined swimming area.

“We further appeal to the public to follow instructions on signboards and listen to lifeguards at all beaches, avoid using inflatable objects, watch for changing conditions and tidal currents, weak swimmers to be supervised at all times,” said police.

The police and UPDF marines will conduct patrols and provide support to the beach management. They will further ensure no revelers and swimmers are in the waters by 6pm.

Agencies anticipate millions of revelers and celebrants to gather at places of worship, entertainment, and social centers.

“Last year we successfully policed several events with total gatherings above 250,000. We expect an increase in numbers and activities this year.  We would like to thank the thousands of security officers, who successfully policed the Christmas festivity, without any incidents of grave nature. We are much prepared for the possibility of seeing greater crowd numbers turning out to the public,” said police.