Police issue new strict guidelines on terror threats

Following three consecutive explosives in the space of one week that has so far claimed five lives and left several others nursing severe injuries, police have issued new guidelines urging the public to be alert in order to report suspected terror attacks.

Last Saturday, two people were confirmed dead and seven others injured after a suspected bomb exploded in a pork joint in Komamboga, In the Kawempe division.

In a similar incident, a 23-year-old man died in an explosion on a swift bus in Mpigi District but was later identified as a terrorist who has been on the wanted list of Anti-terrorism police.

Isaac Matovu, a resident of Kamuli A-Zone in Kireka, Wakiso District died in an explosion on a bus belonging to Swift Safaris Bus Company at Lungala, along the Kampala-Masaka highway.

With the latest incident yesterday Friday, 29 October 2021, two children were killed and one injured after a jackfruit-like explosive was given to them in Ssegalye village, Semuto sub-county, Nakaseke district.

The victims include Kiwuuwa Pathias a physically handicapped child & Kiyingi Michael 14, who were playing together with another child Odong.

Therefore the police have further urged the general public to be extra vigilant and report any suspected terror threats.

Read police’s full statement below

”Terrorism manifests in form of Bombings, assassinations, Kidnaps, hostage-taking, hijack, arson, poisoning, armed attacks etc., aiming at intimidating and coercing the population as well as undermining government.

As a member of the public, you are the first line of defense and you can prevent
terrorism by doing the following

1. Your eyes are the best weapon against terrorism. If you see anything suspicious, inform your immediate local authority or call the police on the counter number of your local Police, OR, Toll free numbers; 112, 999, 0800199699, 080012229.

2. Be alert and aware of your surrounding environment.

3. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior

4. If traveling by public means, ensure that everybody on board is checked, take interest in unattended luggage and take cognizance of unusual behavior of fellow passengers or anything unusual. Emphasize identification of persons and luggage.

5. Do not accept packages from strangers

6. Do not leave luggage unattended

7. While in any enclosed places, find out where emergency exits and staircases are located and think ahead about how to evacuate from a building or congested public area.

8. Take interest in the safety of your neighborhood and in knowing our neighbors well including what they do.

9. Always inspect your house/workplace for signs of illegal entry, storage and suspicious objects.

10. Do not allow cleaners and service providers to enter and work in your workplace or residence without supervision.

11. Empty garbage bins/dustbins at regular intervals and put away all equipment not in use.

12. Don’t allow visitors to your home/office to have free access to all areas

13. Keep all residential, work and public spaces neat and tidy as much as possible. This helps you to spot any out of place” object which may possibly be a bomb or other dangerous objects.

14. Ensure proper lighting in offices/homes and public spaces.

15. Emphasize identification of persons in homes and any public place

16. Conduct background checks on house helpers and company employees

17. Local councils should register all residents and visitors

18. Business community especially fuel dealers, mobile money agents to be
on the lookout for unusual transactions.

19. Hold regular village meetings to discuss the security of the community

20. Install CCTV Cameras in apartments, hotels, workplaces, places of worship and residences.
TOGETHER WE SHALL DEFEAT TERRORISM”

AIGP Asan Kasingye

Chief Political Commissar-UPF