A spokesperson for Uganda’s President Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has spoken out on a recent UK terror alert and travel advisory for citizens and visitors.
The UK recently revealed it had security intelligence that terrorists may soon hit Uganda. UK citizens working, living and travelling to Uganda were advised to be vigilant and ensure other safety precautions.
Citizens were also told the terror attacks may not only target Ugandan citizens but also foreign nationals.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also reminded UK citizens of previous attacks by terrorists hitting the impoverished East African nation.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda. Attacks could be indiscriminate or against foreign nationals or places frequented by foreign nationals. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like hotels, transport hubs, restaurants and bars, and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events and when in close proximity to Government buildings or security installations such as police stations,” the UK advisory read in part.
“Previous terrorist attacks and disrupted attacks in Uganda have targeted the security forces, places where football matches were being viewed, restaurants, buses and government buildings.”
But deputy presidential press secretary Faruk Kirunda says Uganda is not at war and that visitors are welcome. Kirunda said the safety of all people on Ugandan soil will continue to be the priority of security agencies.
“The advisory by the UK Government to its citizens is noted but Uganda is not at war, and our security forces are there to ensure safety and security of citizens and our visitors. Welcome to Uganda!” said Kirunda.
In the past decade, the most gruesome terror attack was the 2010 twin bombing in Kampala where over 70 people, most of them watching a World Cup final, were killed by Al-Shabaab terrorists.
At least four terrorist attacks have happened in Uganda since October 2021.
On October 23, 2021, terrorists attacked a hotel in Kamamboga. One person was killed while several others were injured.
On October 25, 2021, an explosive planted by terrorists on a coach travelling on the Kampala-Masaka Road near Mpigi killed one person.
On November 16, 2021, terrorists used two explosive devices went off in Kampala Central. About 30 people were injured while four were killed.
The most recent attack happened on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese, where suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed 42 people, most of them in a school community.
However, there have been reports that different groups were fighting to take over the school owned by a Canadian. The attack also happened after a financial audit. School bosses were arrested over the killings. (See Details Here and There).
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