Police Foil Suspected Terror Attack on Kampala City

The Uganda Police foiled a suspected terror attack on Kampala City during the just concluded celebrations to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Uganda celebrated 50 years of independence on Tuesday October 9 at a colorful ceremony attended by about 15 heads of state and 40 official delegations.

The Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale  Kayihura addressed a press conference at the Government Media Centre on Friday during which he revealed that two explosives and rocket launchers were recovered and some arrests have been made.
“On Tuesday 9th October, 2012, the Police intercepted and foiled a terrorist attack in Kampala City. Two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were recovered and disabled by experts from the Police Counter Terrorism Directorate. They have been classified as Fuel Air Explosives (FAE) by the Government Analytical Laboratory. This incident is still under investigation,” Kayihura revealed.

This is the first time police admitted the incident which was first reported on social media during the celebrations but was quickly dismissed by Police Spokesperson Judith Nabakooba perhaps not to alarm the public.

“Over this period, a total of seven suspects were arrested while in possession of arms, including rocket launchers, rifles and grenades. Investigation has established concrete evidence linking these suspects to rebel activities, and terrorism, with the intention of destabilizing security in the country.
We are in the final stages of the investigations, and once they are complete, the suspects will be arraigned in court,” Kayihura added.

He explained that there are wrong elements hell bent on destabilizing  the security situation in the country and that although there are no suspicions of a rebel movement, the police was on top of the situation.

In the address, the IGP talks about more arrests that included top opposition leaders who had threatened to demonstrate without police permission during the celebrations.

See full statement below:

In the run up to the National Golden Jubilee Celebrations, several politicians, constituted in the unlawful society, 4GC, declared their intention to disrupt the Independence Day functions, by organizing parallel activities to coincide with the official functions.
The Police advised them to stop their activities because they were unlawful.
The 4GC group purposely disregarded Police advice, and attempted to stage their unlawful actions in the City. The Police, and other security agencies, prevented the 4GC from executing their disruptive plans, and the country celebrated its Golden Jubilee peacefully, and without incident.
Over this period, several suspects were arrested for various offences, ranging from Treason and Terrorism, to Incitement to Violence and Being Members of an Unlawful Society.
Across the country, thirty-one (31) suspects were arrested and charged for Incitement to Violence and Being Members of an Unlawful Society. Twenty-seven suspects were charged in Court, while four were released on bond, pending further investigation.
Presently, there are no suspects in Police custody arising from the attempted disruption of the Independence Day celebrations.
I have noted concerns and outright accusations against the Police, for allegedly holding suspects in custody for more than the stipulated          48 hours.
I would like to emphasis that the Uganda Police endeavors to abide by the law in the handling of suspects in its custody, including observing the time limits imposed by the law. In the vast majority of cases, we meet and even exceed the expectations of the law.
There are instances where the nature and complexity of the case, and the stringent standards of proof imposed by the law leave the Police in both a professional and moral dilemma: should we release dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and terrorists back into society if they are held beyond 48 hours, in order to satisfy the dictates of the law, or should we opt to protect society by holding them a little longer to complete investigations, and secure convictions in court?
This is a catch 22 situation for the Police.
While we acknowledge that there are times and situations where stations keep suspects beyond the 48 hours, the Police shall continue to abide by the law, and strive to produce suspects within the time stipulated by law.
Terrorism
On Tuesday 9th October, 2012, the Police intercepted and foiled a terrorist attack in Kampala City. Two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were recovered and disabled by experts from the Police Counter Terrorism Directorate. They have been classified as Fuel Air Explosives (FAE) by the Government Analytical Laboratory.
This incident is still under investigation.
Over this period, a total of seven suspects were arrested while in possession of arms, including rocket launchers, rifles and grenades. Investigation has established concrete evidence linking these suspects to rebel activities, and terrorism, with the intention of destabilizing security in the country.
We are in the final stages of the investigations, and once they are complete, the suspects will be arraigned in court.
In addition, since early September, 2012, north of Kampala there have three incidents of murder in mysterious circumstances which have fed into rumours of organized ritual murders or even rebel scare. We have deployed in those areas, and some arrests have been made. However, I wish to reassure the public that there is no evidence of any organized criminal activity or rebellion. But, nevertheless, we are enhancing deployment. People should continue with their normal activities.
Further, I wish to note that the spate of murders and robberies that had engulfed the City mid this year have been stopped, after we bust the gangs of thugs involved, with many arrests.  Indeed, the trend has been reversed.
Finally, let me express deep appreciation, and gratitude to the general public, especially the youth of Kampala Metropolitan Policing area (Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi districts) that have consistently and proactively volunteered crucial information to Police, in the true spirit of Community Policing, which has enabled us succeed in preventing and foiling acts of terrorism (rioting and armed attacks).

Thank you.

Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura
Inspector-General of Police
Uganda Police Force

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