Ugandan security has issued a new terror alert but has asked Ugandans to be calm and vigilant.
In a public alert issued on Tuesday, security said it had received intelligence information about a group of ADF terrorist group members who have entered into the country with an aim of causing havoc.
“Information from intelligence agencies indicates that there are some ADF Terrorists who have infiltrated into our city/country with intentions to attack particular targets using IEDs. We therefore ask the public to be vigilant and report any strange/suspicious characters to security/police,” the alert from security which has been making rounds , especially on social media said on Tuesday.
To this, security has asked members of the public as well as security personnel to ensure proper screening of all entry points to all big public places like malls, markets, churches and bars among others
“Security agencies assure the public that we are working hard to ensure that the terrorists are identified, apprehended or neutralized in order to save lives and property of the people.”
In this regard, Police in Kampala has heightened security and community sensitization and mobilization about terror threats.
For example, Police at the Central Police Station on Tuesday afternoon carried out a drive among the business community in Kikuubo asking members of the public to be vigilant.
Uganda has faced a growing threat from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a violent extremist group based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The group has been linked to various terrorist activities in the region, including bombings, attacks on civilians, and other acts of violence aimed at destabilizing Uganda and the surrounding countries.
ADF’s operations have involved infiltration tactics, often using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and targeting public spaces like markets, churches, and government installations. The group has been involved in a series of attacks in Uganda over the years, contributing to the security concerns in the country.
Ugandan authorities, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and police, have ramped up efforts to counter the threat posed by the ADF, through intelligence gathering, public awareness campaigns, and security operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists.
Uganda has also been part of the broader East African regional security efforts, working with neighboring countries and international partners to combat terrorism in the region.
In recent years, the Ugandan government has focused on increasing vigilance and mobilizing the public to report suspicious activities, with enhanced security screening at key locations like shopping malls, markets, and public transport hubs to mitigate potential attacks.
