Home Affairs minister, Mathias Chikawe
The government has declared that it is working to reinforce security along the country’s borders against any potential terror attacks.
Speaking in connection with reports of terror attacks allegedly planned by Al Shabaab militants and targeting Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, Home Affairs minister Mathias Chikawe, said yesterday: “There are no details to give at the moment … but we are ready to protect our citizens at any cost.”
The minister said the government is currently investigating the source of the latest terror alert.
However, he noted that the government would not take the alert lightly or “underestimate” it.
Chikawe said the security agencies were working on the matter, considering that there were no clear sources of the reports.
“We will not let it go away just like that. Investigations are going on,” he said without giving details.”
Information which attracted raging debate on the social media platform for a second day runniong yesterday maintained that the Somali –based militant group is operating under detour camouflage to organise terror activities in the country’s big cities.
The plot to inflict terror mayhem among Dar es Salaam and Mwanza dwellers would target Uganda as well, the civic intelligence reads, but without mentioning the location.
The Guardian’s efforts to establish the authenticity of the information have revealed that security sources working on the matter were also doing so with a second ear.
The information, which caught the attention of both local and international social media, soon spread as BREAKING NEWS: The Australian, UK and US governments have issued an enhanced terrorist alert for Uganda. Al Jazeera TV has intimated on possible attacks in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
It further read: “For information, James Ferdinand of UNAS Security and ATN Officer at the Philippines Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya can be contacted. Take care tonight.”
A massive bombing or hostage taking mission is expected in Uganda in the next 48 hours. It's advised to stay indoors; Army deployment heavy in Kampala. Even in malls. Apparently they want to enter in places & shoot as many people as possible. So avoid crowded places”.
Police spokesperson SSP Advera Bulimba told this The Guardian, Sunday edition that there was enormous need to take precautions, especially during the Easter festivities, saying people should avoid hanging-out in insecure places.
The police officer further issued an alert that people should not unnecessarily gather in recreation centres including beaches, bars and other places that attract big crowds.
According to the police spokesperson, other areas where frequenters need to pay much attention include public transport (commuter busses) and night clubs.
The clue is coming at the backdrop of a series of ignored information that has made the East African region to experience bloodshed on Thursday after Al-shabaab militants attacked Garrissa University in Kenya killing at least 148 people a head of spilling information.
Whether the attacks are related in any way to the operations being carried out by the ISIS in the Middle East is a matter that is subject to further investigation.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
