Security beefed up at Namugongo shrines
Police deputy spokesperson Polly Namaye. PHOTO by STEPHEN WANDERA
KAMPALA. The annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations will be marked today under a tight security ring to ensure that none of the pilgrims is harmed.
The Uganda Police Force backed by covert intelligence agencies and the army are using motorised and foot patrols to secure the martyrs’ mile that stretches from Kyaliwajjala Trading Centre to the Catholic shrine and to Nakiyanja, the Protestants’ shrine and the surrounding areas.
To enforce the security measures, traffic has been diverted from the precincts of the two martyrs’ shrines, while hotels and places of lodging have been directed to reveal identities of people who check in.
All persons accessing Namugongo shrines, police said, must submit to body checks and walk-through metallic gadgets. Cameras will be scrutinised and journalists will be accredited.
Police have issued hotlines where pilgrims can report emergencies and crime scenes.
The hotlines
They are 071466 7768, 0718357402, 0714667738 and a toll free number 08000399.
Within the shrines, police posts, emergency centres, ambulance service and medical teams have been stationed to evacuate patients and people in case of emergencies.
“Police has launched an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance parachute at Namugongo that has both day and night vision with the attached camera able to see beyond several kilometres away, for security reinforcement during and after the martyrs’ celebration.
It has a central control centre manned by experts,” deputy police spokesperson Polly Namaye said on Monday.
To reduce traffic congestion and ease access by pilgrims, public parking has been designated at Namboole, Kira, Naalya and Nakiyanja.
Only dignitaries, clergy and service vans with red stickers issued by the police will be allowed at or nearby the shrines.
“All these roads will be one-way. Once you have entered them you cannot turn back. There will be traffic to direct residents. Pilgrims walking from designated parking will be escorted by security, uniformed or not,” Ms Namaye explained.
The police said people trading at the celebration grounds must adhere to issued sanitation and public health guidelines. “There will be no food vending outside the perimeter wall. Food will be cooked in designated places to avoid contamination,” Ms Namaye added.
