Monday, October 21, 2013
Uganda's government spokesman says the US
embassy has shared intelligence with the administration warning of a
possible terrorist attack, similar to the one on Kenya's Westgate mall
nearly a month ago.
In response, Ofwono Opondo says President Yoweri Museveni's government has placed all security agencies on high alert.
"We have [taken] extra security measures. We have deployed both
covert and overt personnel in major busy areas of the government and
business districts of just not Kampala, but [also] around the country,"
said Opondo. "We are sending out alerts calling on the public to be
vigilant -- particularly proprietors of premises that are frequently
visited by many people."
The US embassy warning comes nearly a month after militants stormed
Kenya's Westgate Shopping, leaving at least 67 people dead and scores
injured. The hard line Somali insurgent group, al-Shabab, claimed
responsibility for the attack.
Opondo says senior security officials have reviewed measures to
ensure adequate preparedness to thwart any attacks. He says security has
been increased in public transportation stations that could be "soft
targets" for terrorists.
"At the main entrances to the public passenger terminals of taxis and
buses, there are extra checks of persons, luggage and vehicles," said
Opondo. "We are advising everybody to cooperate with the security
measures that have been put in place, so that there is no there is no
lapse whatsoever."
He says the government has launched a media campaign asking the
public to be on alert and to contact security officials of any
suspicious activities.
"We are making regular radio announcements asking people to be
vigilant, particularly if they see suspicious persons or suspicious
items [and] to dial the hotlines of the Uganda police force and other
security services that are available in their areas of location," said
Opondo.
Al-Shabab has already claimed responsibility for an attack during the
2010 World Cup in Uganda. The group said it was in response to the
country's military support for AMISOM, the African Union forces in
Somalia. Opondo says Uganda will not pullout its troops out of the east
African nation despite threats from al-Shabab.