Before I go ahead, let me ask you to inform your immediate local authority or call Police on Toll free numbers; 112, 999, 0800199699, 080012229 in case you suspect any form of terror threat.
On 19th November, 2021 the Government Citizen Interaction Centre through the Office of the Deputy Director, Abigaba Duncan hosted the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire on the Citizen Baraza who in depth analyzed how everyone can help security organs fight terrorism.
This follows the tragic incidents of a deadly suicide bombing at a pork restaurant in Kampala where a 20-year-old waitress was killed and three others injured. Another incident was on a SWIFT Safaris Bus, and the failed attempt of a suicide attack, in Pader District.
After the above incident there was a twin bombing explosion near the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance near the parliament building and the other near the Central Police Station (CPS) in Kampala. On these incidents, the attackers blew themselves up near parliament and the city's police headquarters.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire described terrorism as any act of violence or threat of violence carried out for purposes of influencing government or an international organization, intimidating the public for a political, social and economic aim, indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property.
To borrow his words, terrorism manifests in form of bombings, assassinations, kidnaps, hostage taking, hijack, arson, poisoning, armed attacks etc., aiming at intimidating and coercing the population as well as undermining government.
As a member of the public, you are the first line of defense and you can prevent
Among others he advised the public to; Be alert and aware of your surrounding environment. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. If travelling by public means, ensure that everybody on board is checked, take interest in unattended luggage and take cognizance of unusual behavior of fellow passengers or anything unusual. Emphasize identification of persons and luggage.
Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Take interest in the safety of your neighborhood and in knowing our neighbors well including what they do.
Inspect your house/workplace for signs of illegal entry, storage and suspicious objects.
Do not allow cleaners and service providers to enter and work in your workplace or residence without supervision. Empty garbage bins/dustbins at regular intervals and put away all equipment not in use.
Don’t allow visitors to your home/office to have free access to all areas. Keep all residential, work and public spaces neat and tidy as much as possible. This helps you to spot any out of place" object which may possibly be a bomb or other dangerous objects.
Ensure proper lighting in offices/homes and public spaces. Emphasize identification of persons in homes and any public place. Conduct background checks on house helpers and company employees.
Local councils should register all residents and visitors. Business community especially fuel dealers, mobile money agents to be on lookout for unusual transactions. Hold regular village meetings do discus security of the community and install CCTV Cameras if you can.
The Citizen Baraza happens every Friday at 10:00AM where different Government programs and communications that are beneficial to the public are explained in detail and how they can be helpful to you and the community around you. One can make their contributions to the topic at hand via Twitter Spaces hosted on the Government Citizens Interaction Centre’s official account.
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