Security issues guidelines for gatherings

The Police are stepping up security at all police units and places of worship following the apparent change of tactics by terrorists in light of the recent attacks in Kenya.

Kampala Police chief Andrew Kaweesi on Wednesday said both the Police and places of worship have become prime targets of terror cells and thus the need to up security at Police units and places of worship.

On Sunday, masked armed men attacked two churches in Garissa Kenya, killing 17 people, among them two policemen. Over 60 others were injured.

“Terrorists have changed tactics and we are changing our methods of security installation. The public should expect these changes at our Police stations and posts because they are precautionary and a proactive measure to guard against such attacks,” Kaweesi said.

As part of the precautionary measures, he said, places of worship will hence forth be required to put in place antiterror safety measures.

The measures include having metal walk-throughs, hand detectors and people to man the gadgets and to guarantee safety of worshippers.

Kaweesi added that the Police will send out a notice on safety requirements. He said places of worship which will not comply with the requirements may not be allowed to operate.

Kaweesi also did not rule out the possibility that terrorists were working with armed criminal gangs to cause terror.

As part of the heightened measures, he said, the Police will name public places that have not complied with the safety standards.

“We shall appeal to the public to avoid those places since they are a security risk,” Kaweesi said.

Meanwhile, Kaweesi said the

Police has banned a planned consultative meeting called by Kawempe division mayor Mubarak Munyangwa slated for today.

He said given the terror threats and Police intelligence, the meeting was meant to be used to re-launch the political pressure group, For God and My Country (AGC).

“I want to pass a stern warning that this time, we are not going to be soft because we are confronted with terror threats and will not risk the public’s safety,” Kaweesi said

“We have notified him that the meeting can only take place if he accepts to hold it in a building where we can search everyone walking in. We will not take anything short of that,” he said.

Source: New Vision