Police issues terror alert as Afcon commences

Police has issued an alert to all it's officers and members of public of a possible terrorist attack as the Afcon finals commence.

Egypt will play Zimbabwe in the opening game of this year's Afcon finals in Cairo.

In a message to all units, the police Counter Terrorism director, AIGP Abas Byakagaba says there is intelligence information pointing to an eminent attack.

"Credible intelligence information indicates possible intention to conduct simultaneous or isolated attacks on Uganda," reads in part the alert message by AIGP Byakagaba.

He explains that the attacks which are expected to extend to another unnamed East African country will target facilities including those frequented by foreigners.

He has asked all commanders to put in place measures to avert the attack.

"Instruct all personnel at places of deployment and guard to remain alert and vigilant."

"Conduct security inspections and snap checks on all crowded places and those that normally host foreign nationals for whatever purpose."

Police commanders have been asked to watch out suspicious individuals,vehicles and other motorists both parked and in motion especially at places frequented by foreigners.

Byakagaba says police commanders should continue with heightened security and vigilance throughout the Afcon tournament.

US embassy warns citizens

The US embassy has also warned its citizens to be on alert over the same.

"There are rumors of impending attacks in areas frequented by expats within East Africa, including Uganda. The Embassy has no substantiating evidence of the threat or information on the timing, but nonetheless warns citizens to take the precautions outlined below,"the embassy in Nsambya says in a message to American citizens dated June 20.

They have been warned to avoid crowds and also monitor the media for any updates.

"Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners."

Uganda in 2010 tasted the wrath of the terrorists through the twin blasts at Kyodondo Rugby grounds and Ethiopian Village restaurant in Kabalagala in which over 70 people were killed.

The blasts went off as revelers watched the World Cup finals between Spain and Netherlands.

Somalia based terrorist outfit,Al Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack as revenge to Uganda for sending her troops in Somalia under the AMISOM.