Security agencies deployed in Kampala as terror threats increase
Members of the combined force of military and terrorism police patrol Kampala city. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa
What you need to know:
Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, said Entebbe Airport was at the risk of being attacked by terrorists and they (terrorists) had already carried out trial runs on how they would carry out the attack.
KAMPALA- Security agencies have deployed both the police and military police in and around the Kampala city following reports that a terrorist organisation planned to attack Entebbe International Airport today.
The US Embassy issued an advisory to its citizens in Uganda telling them to reconsider their travels through Entebbe airport today.
“The US Embassy has received information from the Uganda Police Force (UPF) that according to intelligence sources there is a specific threat to attack Entebbe International Airport by an unknown terrorist group today, July 3…. Individuals planning to travel through the airport this evening may want to review their plans in light of this information,” the statement reads in part.
Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, said Entebbe Airport was at the risk of being attacked by terrorists and they (terrorists) had already carried out trial runs on how they would carry out the attack.
Today, counter terrorism police and military officers manned the city centre and all major entrances to the capital. They erected barriers and closed some roads before carrying out searches.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman, Mr Patrick Onyango, said the action was to prevent terror attacks during the World Cup finals.
“We also have several international conferences underway in Munyonyo and in hotels in Kampala. We have to ensure that all those visitors are secure,” Mr Onyango said.
The US Embassy has advised its citizen to remain alert.
“U.S. Embassy Kampala wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the continued threat of potential terrorist attacks in the country. The targets for these attacks could include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping malls, diplomatic missions, transportation hubs, religious institutions, government offices, or public transportation,” the statement reads.
During World Cup finals in 2010, Al Shabaab, the Al Qaeda-allied terror group in Somalia attacked Kampala killing 78 people in twin bombings at Kyadondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala suburb.
The same group warned recently that they will repeat similar attacks in this period.
