DP: Why has security failed to identify the terrorists early enough?

The Democratic Party (DP) has wondered why the security apparatus has failed to identify early enough the terrorists behind the thwarted attacks so far.

On Sunday, the police uncovered an explosive device placed at the entrance of Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga led by  Pastor Robert Kayanja in Ndeeba.

Hours later, another explosive device was allegedly found in Nateete, Mabiito and safely detonated.

Ismail Kiirya, President of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), wondered why if the security apparatus is aware of the plans by the terrorists, they are not doing more to identify their cells and arrest those involved.

"The reason security is allocated a classified budget is to invest in all kinds of security measures that can detect individuals with intentions to commit such crimes," he pointed out.

He went on, "We would like to express our gratitude to the police for their swift response and actions that saved the lives of millions in and around the church."

Kiirya, however, questioned why police waits until the devices are planted before acting.

He asked, "Were they negligent in their duties? If that bomb had exploded, how many lives would have been lost?"

Kiirya questioned why the security agencies cannot identify these terrorists at the early stages.

He urges the public to remain vigilant and not solely rely on the police since their capacity lies in detecting bombs once they have been assembled and are en route to their target.

"After the bombs are assembled, if these terrorists decide to detonate them immediately, some of you may become victims," he warned.

Heightened security measures have been implemented in and around Kampala as the business community expresses deep concern over the recent wave of terror threats in Uganda.

According to Fred Enanga, the spokesperson for the police, the explosives were discovered in a guest house in Bunamwaya and Mabiito business hub in Nateete.

Military and police sources indicate that the recovery of these lethal weapons has disrupted a plot by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to target Kampala.

As a result, security checks at various building entrances have been intensified to prevent any potential attacks.

Efforts to neutralise and dismantle terrorist cells are continuing, as evidenced by 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.

Consequently, the Ugandan People's Defense Forces (UPDF) launched an operation against the ADF inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In July, the UK government issued a general warning to its citizens about potential attacks that could target foreign nationals or places frequented by them. However, the specific location targeted by the terrorists was not disclosed.

It is clear that Uganda remains at risk of terrorism, and the government, along with international partners, continues to take active measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country.