Security stepped up in Albertine region after ADF attacks

Hoima, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security operatives in the Albertine region have cautioned residents settling on the shores of lake Albert that is bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo to be more vigilant following the twin bombings that happened in Kampala on Tuesday.

Two explosions rocked Kampala on Tuesday; one at the Central Police Station-CPS and another at the IPS building which is located close to the Parliamentary building killing seven people.

According to security sources, the Albertine region that is at the porous border with the DR Congo is at greater risk since the DR Congo hosts ADF militants.

The rebels are a threat to Uganda since there are frequent cross-border movements between residents in the Albertine region and those from the DRC. Security sources say this might lead to infiltration of wrong elements.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson says following a series of bomb blasts in Kampala that are being claimed by the ADF, there is need for people in the Albertine to be very cautious and report any suspicious persons and objects to security operatives for immediate action to be taken.

He says some of the ADF rebels could disguise as refugees fleeing conflicts in the DR Congo and cross in the region to cause havoc.

Security has been beefed up along the Uganda-DR Congo border.  Uganda Peoples defense forces- UPDF soldiers, counter terrorism officers, police and other sister security agencies have been deployed, but Hakiza called on members of the public to be cautious and work hand in hand with officers to avert crime at the porous border points.

He says they have also stepped up and established various security check points at the Uganda-DRC border in the Albertine to ensure that no any wrong element enters the country.

Yosam Tumwebaz, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner- RD Congo says they have embarked on a massive sensitization of members of the public to avail them with knowledge and techniques on how they can detect and report   strangers and suspicious objects in their areas to security operatives.

Currently, there is heavy heightened security deployment in the Bunyoro sub region along the Uganda-DR Congo border following the bomb blasts in Kampala.

The heightened security deployment of the Police, Uganda Peoples Defence Forces-UPDF soldiers and sister security agencies is visible at most landing sites bordering DR Congo in the Albertine region. The deployment is at Sebigoro, Kaiso, Ndaiga, Butiaba, Bugoma, Kitebere, and Wanseko landing sites in Hoima, Kagadi, Kikuube and Buliisa districts respectively.

The landing sites are the major entry points for Congolese nationals into the country.

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