Tuesday, March 18, 2014
KAMPALA - The Police have warned of possible terror attacks by Al-Shabaab on fuel stations in the country.
“We have received intelligence information that terrorists belonging to the Al Shabaab group are planning to attack Uganda by hitting fuel tankers on transit, fuel depots and stations,” a statement released by deputy Policeperson, Patrick Onyango, said.
In the statement, Onyango warned that they have received intelligence that fuel tanker stopovers and parking places like Naluwerere, Mbiko, Lugazi, Nakawa, Buwama, Lyantonde, Ruti, Rubaale, Karuma, Elegu were possible targets.
“We have deployed adequately in these places both overt and covert personnel. We call upon the general public to be vigilant and report any suspicious people/objects in their areas,” the statement said.
He said that with immediate effect, all trucks leaving the border posts of Busia and Malaba would be given police escort.
“We are engaging all fuel dealers and truck drivers to comply with this counter measures. We are also guarding all fuel stations and depots throughout the country,” he said.
He urged the public not to panic because police has stepped up deployments, foot and motorized patrols, surveillance and intelligence operations in the country.
In July 2010, Al-Shabaab launched two bombings in Kampala that killed 79 people watching a World Cup match.
The Al Shabaab have repeatedly threatened to strike Uganda unless its forces withdraw from the African Union Mission in Somalia.
Source: New Vision