Security heightened as pilgrims start arriving at Namugongo

Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police and military have increased their presence at Namugongo as multitudes of pilgrims arrive for next Monday’s Martyrs Day celebrations.

On Wednesday, by 8 am, queues had started stretching at Namugongo Catholic Shrines as security personnel from Special Forces Command (SFC), Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF), Traffic Police, and Field Force Unit (FFU) were patrolling and monitoring the entrance and exit points.

The arriving pilgrims have forced vehicles to move at a snail’s pace and congestion stretched from Nakiyanja swamp which is after the Anglican Shrines up to Kyaliwajjala trading centre.

Traffic police personnel have been deployed on both sides of the road to ensure speed limits that do not lead to the crashing of the exhausted pilgrims.

The situation at Namugongo is expected to gain more momentum by the close of the day since the hosting diocese of Nebbi and its Christians who have trekked more than 400km are expected to make a triumph entry. The pilgrims from Nebbi arrived in Kampala on Tuesday and spent the night at Naguru Catholic Church.

Police and its sister counterparts have also deployed in the access routes to avert incidents of thugs mugging, or snatching pilgrims’ items. All operations intended to nab criminal-minded individuals are being spearheaded by SP Brighton Ahimbisamukama, the Kira Division Police Commander with the aid of covert personnel from both military and police.

By Tuesday,  45 suspected criminals including those that were using stones to attack people had been arrested with the help of covert officers and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. Also, the military and police have increased their presence at the Northern Bypass since most of the pilgrims are using it to reach Namugongo.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said operations targeting suspected criminals will continue. Owoyesigyire said police will continue to give updates on the security operations but also on the tips needed by the pilgrims to protect their belongings.

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