Don’t neglect security in rural areas, government told

Security minister Mary Karooro Okurut (L) listens to an exhibitor during a belated Women’s Day celebrations in Mbarara District at the weekend. PHOTO BY RAJAB MUKOMBOZI

Mbarara. Local leaders in Mbarara District have asked security agencies to spread their surveillance to cover rural areas because terrorists may change tactics and get the nation off guard.
The police and army have heightened security in mainly urban areas since last week when the United States issued an alert warning that terrorists might attack the country any time. Screening has also been made stricter at border posts around the country.
“Much efforts and security alertness has been put in the urban areas but we are worried terrorists may change tactics to cause mayhem in the rural places, especially areas that attract many people like churches and schools,” said Mr Charles Ngabirano, the former Rwampara MP.
He was speaking at the district’s belated Women’s Day celebrations in Bugamba Sub-county at the weekend.
In response, Security minister Mary Karooro Okurut, who was the chief guest, reminded citizens that ensuring security was not a preserve of only security agencies.
“Security starts with an individual, so I want every individual to be in intelligence, vigilant and an informer and then cooperate with security agencies. This is the best way to tame insecurity and terror threats,” she said.

Efforts
Ms Karooro said her ministry would put in place a toll-free line to facilitate security information sharing. “Majority of Ugandans own mobile phones so with this toll-free line in place, information sharing on security will be easy and quick, it will also facilitate security to respond quickly to any insecurity challenge,” Ms Karooro said.