The United Kingdom cautions of potential terrorist threats in Uganda, raising concerns for foreign nationals and national security.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The UK’s Foreign Office has issued a warning about the increased likelihood of terrorist attacks in Uganda, cautioning that these attacks could be indiscriminate or specifically target foreign nationals or places frequented by them.
Despite the alarming alert, the UK did not disclose the specific evidence or the source of the information behind their warning.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda. Attacks could be indiscriminate or against foreign nationals or places frequented by foreign nationals.”
The warning comes in the wake of a tragic incident where Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants attacked a school in the Kasese district of Uganda, resulting in the loss of 44 innocent lives. Moreover, just months ago, Al Shabaab terrorists claimed the lives of over 54 Ugandan soldiers at a Forward Operating Base in Lower Shabelle, Somalia, further escalating security concerns in the region.
In response to the potential threats, Ugandan security services have elevated their alertness to counter and prevent possible attacks by militant groups operating in the area. However, such warnings significantly impact Uganda’s tourism sector and may deter potential investors.
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“You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like hotels, transport hubs, restaurants and bars, and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events and when in close proximity to Government buildings or security installations such as police stations,” advised the UK in a statement released this Sunday afternoon.
The UK government underscored that previous terrorist attacks and thwarted attempts in Uganda have targeted security forces, venues broadcasting football matches, restaurants, buses, and government buildings.
Ugandan authorities, in collaboration with international partners, continue their efforts to mitigate the risk of further attacks. As a part of these precautionary measures, additional security checks, including baggage and car searches, may be conducted in public places, including hotels.
With a high global threat of terrorist attacks affecting UK interests and British nationals, including those viewed as targets by various groups and individuals, vigilance remains paramount.
Recent terror attacks in Uganda include:
- On 17 June 2023, the Ugandan police attributed to militants (the Allied Democratic Forces – ADF) an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, western Uganda, close to the border with the DRC. The attack resulted in the tragic death of 42 individuals.
- On 16 November 2021, terrorists deployed two explosive devices in central Kampala, resulting in the loss of four lives and injuring 33 people. Additionally, the authorities successfully disarmed two other explosive devices.
- On 25 October 2021, terrorists used an explosive device on a coach traveling on the Kampala to Masaka road near Mpigi, taking the life of one person.
- On 23 October 2021, terrorists carried out an explosive device attack on a restaurant in Kamamboga, a suburb in the northeast of Kampala, leading to the death of one individual and injuring several others.
As the security situation remains a top priority for both the UK and Ugandan authorities, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety measures in the face of potential threats.
Quick Facts
Q: What has the United Kingdom warned about regarding Uganda?
A: The United Kingdom has warned of possible terrorist attacks in Uganda.
Q: What did the UK Foreign Office state about the potential attacks?
A: The UK’s Foreign Office stated that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda.” They added that the attacks could be indiscriminate or specifically target foreign nationals or places frequented by them.
Q: Did the UK provide evidence to support their claims?
A: No, the UK did not provide evidence to back up its claims.
Q: Were any details shared about the source of the information?
A: No, the UK did not share any details about the source of the information.
Q: What recent attacks have taken place in Uganda?
A: Recently, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists attacked a school in Kasese district, killing 44 people. Additionally, Al Shabaab terrorists killed over 54 Ugandan soldiers at a Forward Operating Base in Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
Q: How has Uganda responded to the threat of attacks?
A: Ugandan security services have recently stated that they have raised their level of alertness to prevent possible attacks by militants in the region.
Q: What precautions did the UK advise its citizens to take in Uganda?
A: The UK advised its citizens to be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places such as hotels, transport hubs, restaurants, bars, and during major gatherings. They also mentioned the potential risk near government buildings or security installations like police stations.
Q: What types of targets have been previously attacked in Uganda?
A: Previous terrorist attacks and disrupted attacks in Uganda have targeted the security forces, places where football matches were being viewed, restaurants, buses, and government buildings.
Q: How does the UK government view the global threat of terrorist attacks?
A: The UK government states that there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally, affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. They emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant at all times.
Q: Can you provide examples of recent attacks in Uganda?
A: Recent attacks in Uganda include an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, where 42 people were killed, and an incident in central Kampala where terrorists used explosive devices, resulting in 4 deaths and 33 injuries. There were also other incidents involving explosive devices on a coach and a restaurant in Kampala, causing fatalities and injuries.
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