The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have called for strict security vigilance following the recent terror alert issued by the United Nations.
On Monday, September 2, 2024, the UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Felix Kulayigye said they were already aware of the possible terror attack by the Al-Shabaab in Uganda.
He urged people not to panic but to stay alert and ensure critical security watch both at home and at work.
“We are aware and in charge of the situation. We can only appeal to the citizens to continue with the vigilance and alertness,” Kulayigye said.
Kulayigye further urged residents to cooperate and coordinate with the security agencies.
He said any new person in the neighborhood should be properly identified and reported to local officials immediately.
The security advisory issued by the United Nations cited the possibility of a potential terrorist attack in Kampala, mainly in public places.
The advisory message indicated that Al-Shabaab terrorists could be planning attacks in remembrance of the September 11 suicide attack.
On 16 November 2021, two separate but seemingly coordinated attacks were carried out by three suicide bombers in Kampala.
One attack took place outside the central police station by the first suicide bomber, while the other two attackers, riding a motorcycle, blew themselves up near the parliamentary building, leaving three people dead and dozens injured.
After the terrorist attack, the UPDF launched a joint operation code-named Shujaa with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) to wipe out ADF extremists from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an operation that has registered massive success, pushing the ADF away further to the Congo jungles.
