NAMUGONGO – The Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola has pledged to protect the pilgrims at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
Mr. Ochola, who was touring the shrines and a number of other officers ahead of Monday’s occasion, said that although he had issued a security alert earlier, the pilgrims should not panic as he had put in place measures to manage any threats.
“We have deployed enough security personnel both in uniform and civilian attire for both the Catholic and the Church of Uganda shrines. Despite my earlier warning on bad elements, there is no reason for alarm as we are on the alert,” Ochola made the assurance on Saturday at Namugongo in the company of his security entourage.
He, however, urged the public to also be vigilant and look out for wrong elements.
Uganda is a victim of terror attacks after the incident that happened in 2010 when about 70 died in bomb blasts at both Ethiopian Village in Kansanga and Lugogo Rugby grounds.
Deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye recently called on the public and the Pilgrims, in particular, to be vigilant and responsible in reporting all suspicious objects they come across.
She also confirmed that they are implementing the Kaveera free campaign at both shrines by stopping pilgrims with a polythene bag to access the venues unless they drop them.
Ms. Namaye further encouraging people not to come with polythene bags to Namugongo Shrine as the only way to save our environment.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) spent the better part of today touring both shrines at Namugongo. Led by Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the delegation spoke to pilgrims on how they can take advantage of the #MartyrsDay2019 pilgrimage.
Uganda Red Cross who are on standby for emergency medical services at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, this year are also carrying out Ebola and Cholera sensitization