The US Embassy in Uganda has issued a stark warning to its citizens, cautioning them about the persistent threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and the surrounding region. This advisory follows recent incidents involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in various parts of the country.
One such incident occurred in Bunamwaya, where the police successfully evacuated a business center after discovering and safely recovering an IED. In response to these developments, the US Embassy has advised US citizens in Uganda to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.
The embassy acknowledged reports of another IED found at a church in the Rubaga division of Kampala on September 3, which the police promptly located and defused. While there are unconfirmed reports of potential additional devices, the embassy stressed the importance of exercising caution. They also reminded US citizens that the US Department of State's Travel Advisory for Uganda currently stands at Level 3 (Reconsider travel) for terrorism.
The threat of terrorist attacks, the embassy emphasized, extends not only to Uganda but also throughout the region. Given the unpredictable nature of such attacks, the embassy urged US citizens to stay alert and exercise caution, especially in crowded areas.
In response to these renewed terror threats, security agencies have heightened surveillance in Kampala and across the country. Following the incident at the Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, where an IED was safely detonated, the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, reported the recovery of five more explosive devices.
The arrest of Kintu Abdurahman, a 28-year-old individual found in possession of an IED, has led to further investigations to uncover details about the terror plot. Enanga revealed that Abdurahman provided information about his cell, consisting of six members, including himself. The police are currently on the hunt for the five remaining conspirators who are still at large. Additionally, three constructed IEDs and materials related to the explosives were recovered from a rented house in Lungujja Zone eight.
Authorities have also discovered two other suspected IEDs in Bunamwaya and Mabiito in Nateete. The police's counter-terrorism teams are preparing to safely detonate these devices.
Efforts to neutralize and dismantle terrorist cells are ongoing, as seen in the successful operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) since November 2021. The ADF was held responsible for the attacks in Kampala during that period, leading to the Ugandan People's Defense Forces (UPDF) launching an operation against the ADF inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This latest advisory from the US Embassy underscores the continued risk of terrorism in Uganda. Both the Ugandan government and international partners remain committed to taking active measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country.
