Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi has dismissed the terror alerts issued by the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) in Jinja City, describing them as mere rumours and assuring the public that security measures are firmly in place.
Maj Gen Katsigazi, who recently visited Jinja City, including the area along the banks of the River Nile where the popular Nyege Nyege music festival is set to kick off, expressed confidence in the security arrangements for the event.
“We have been receiving various threats in the country; there is nothing new, and there is no cause for alarm beyond what we have experienced before,” Maj Gen Katsigazi reassured.
On Tuesday, the US and UK issued advisories, cautioning their citizens against travelling to Jinja City just two days ahead of the widely-anticipated Nyege Nyege Festival.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) released a statement advising against non-essential travel to Jinja Town. The statement cited an increasing terror threat in Uganda, including potential risks to foreigners. The advisory further urged individuals to avoid large gatherings, including worship services and cultural festivals in the country.
A similar alert was issued by the US Mission, which read, “Due to increased terrorist activity, US Embassy Kampala recommends that individuals exercise an elevated degree of caution and reconsider attendance at upcoming large public gatherings, such as large-scale worship services and music and cultural festivals in Kampala and Jinja.”
Katsigazi emphasized that security agencies are taking every possible measure to ensure the security of citizens and foreign visitors during the festival.
