The police control teams in Namugongo have heightened security at all holy places in the lead-up to the Martyrs Day celebrations on 3rd June 2022.
With only a few days to the Martyrs Day Celebrations on 3rd June 2022, the police control teams have heightened security at all holy places in Namugongo.
Four different venues are expected to house pilgrims including the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo the Anglican Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo and Mamra Prayer Centre, and the Muslim Shrine in Namugongo.
With this in mind, thousands of people are anticipated to gather and participate in the events from all over the country, and neighbouring countries across the world.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, although security threats are still very existent, there are no credible or specific threats, directed toward the Uganda Martyrs Celebrations in Namugongo.
Enanga said all police task teams have camped at all the four venues to help identify potential risks and what steps can be taken to address them.
“We have worked on intelligence and analysis, profiled all venues, hotels and hotspots in the area, to and taken steps, on how to address them. We also have standby teams, mobile squads, advance teams, 999 patrols, motorcycle squads as part of the multi-layered security posture.”
“In addition, our cyber and ICT teams are using CCTV cameras, to effectively monitor the conduct and movement of pilgrims at the shrines and the routes they will use. The Joint UPF and UPDF Airwing will conduct aerial surveillance,” Enanga said.
He called on all pilgrims, faith-based tourists and well-wishers to remain vigilant and focused while at any of the venues. He advised that they should also carry along with them their identification documents.
“You are further advised to carry your ID or other identification documents, keep an eye on your personal belongings, wallet, mobile phones, and other objectives of value; avoid leaving elders or children alone, be wary of strangers, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, let the family and friends know where you are.”
“Those who can make use of the UPF – MOBI APP, can call the nearest police unit or our National Operations Emergency Centre at Police Headquarters, Naguru, to enable them to attend to you easily on 0800199699, 0707600773, 0776999135,” Enanga added.
He further encouraged the pilgrims to be aware of their physical health and condition. He said they should not take risks by subjecting themselves to perseverance, hunger, thirst, standing for long, congestion and other risky practices.
Enanga, however, reminded that as a security precaution, security threatening items including bags, metallic containers, and flasks will be prohibited from entry into the venues.
“In case of any signs of weakness, seek for immediate medical attention. In addition, its important to follow the rules at all venues, take care of the common facilities, milestones, signs, information panel and respect the pathway rules,” Enanga said further.
“The following items will be prohibited from entry into the venues; aerosols, ammunition, animals other than police K-9 dogs, backpacks exceeding size restrictions, balloons, bicycles, unmanned aerial vehicles, like drones other than for security, explosives, firearms, glass, thermos, metallic containers, pepper spray and any other items determined to be a potential hazard to the public event.”
