The Uganda security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and other sister security agencies, have vowed to provide robust security to pilgrims who are arriving at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine for Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for June 3, 2023.
“Our level of preparedness remains very robust, with task teams camped at all the venues. We have fully mapped out the area, for hotspots and other high risk targets and put up tactical response teams in place. In addition, our cyber and ICT teams have installed CCTV cameras and deployed unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the conduct and movements of pilgrims,”said Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, on Tuesday.
SCP Enanga revealed that the Police Airwing and UPDF will jointly conduct aerial surveillance to watch the movements of pilgrims and any suspicious behavior. He empathically noted that the security posture is advanced and multi-layered.
He also clarified the items prohibited from entry into the venue, noting that aerosols, ammunition, animals other than police K9, backpacks exceeding size restrictions, bicycles, balloons, UAVs like drones other than for security, firearms, glass thermos, metallic containers, pepper spray, and any other items determined to be potential hazards to the public event will not be allowed.
The police spokesperson also urged the pilgrims to follow the rules and regulations at the venue, like providing their particulars at the information table, taking care of the common facilities, and respecting the paths, among others.
He also warned the residents of Namugongo and Nakiyanja to anticipate a surge in the numbers of pilgrims and disruptions in the traffic flows, especially on June 2 and 3, 2023.
Enanga encouraged all pilgrims, well-wishers, and faith-based tourists to carry identity cards and other personal identification documents, keep a watchful eye on their personal property such as wallets and mobile phones, be wary of strangers, avoid leaving elders or children alone, and inform family and friends where they are, among others.
He assured the public that they (security agencies) are determined, committed and their efforts are directed to ensuring a very successful and prolific religious pilgrimage at all venues.
