US will support Uganda in terrorism fight, says envoy

Washington is committed to supporting Uganda in the fight against terrorism, US Ambassador to Uganda William Popp has emphasised.

Mr Popp, who was addressing the media on the sidelines of his two-day visit to Mbarara, to examine the impact of the programmes the US supports for Ugandans and refugees living in the area, said every country in the world is vulnerable to terrorism but it needs concerted effort to fight it.

“I think what terrorism has shown us time and again, is that we are all vulnerable to these types of attacks. And so we just passed last month, the anniversary of September 11, the United States, the single largest terrorist attack on US soil history. So terrorism can happen anywhere, anytime,” he said.

He added: “We have to find ways to work together, be vigilant. Stand against terrorism wherever possible, and try to be as safe as you can to avoid loss of human life.”

Mr Popp said the attack on tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park last week should be an eye opener for everyone in Uganda and governments across the globe to work together in stopping the vice. 

“I want to take a moment to express condolences and recognise the tragedy that occurred in Queen Elizabeth National Park last week and the lives that were lost. All governments, all members of the society really need to work together to prevent terrorism,” he said.

He said Uganda has faced challenges with security at the borders with DR Congo but they will partner with the government to improve security in these places.

“We have not received any specific requests from the Ugandan government, but obviously, security at the border is something that falls under the jurisdiction of Ugandan authorities. But we are going to always work with partners wherever we can to prevent terrorism, to prevent loss of life,” he said.

He added: “So that is an area where we will really stand by Uganda to decide how they would like to cooperate or work together if they would choose to do so. But ultimately, our commitment is to support all countries against the threat of terrorism.”
Mr Popp said Uganda has always been a partner with the US in the fight against terrorism. 

“Currently, we are doing primarily training to support Uganda’s presence in Somalia and we have done so for a number of years. Uganda has obviously been a true contributing country in supporting security in Somalia, as well as fighting terrorism there,” he added.