Hours after Security Minister Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muwhezi downplayed the threat posed by terrorism in relation to UPDF’s commitment to safeguarding the country, President Yoweri Museveni has issued a contradictory assessment of the situation.
While appearing on NBS TV’s Morning Breeze show on Wednesday, General Muhwezi said that there was no call for alarm over the threat from terrorism, insisting the security was still in control.
“We cannot say that there is a lapse in security. Security has managed to keep this country secure for many years, and Uganda has been one of the safest places to stay,” Muhwezi said.
Museveni, also Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of the armed forces, in his Thursday night address to the nation seemed to hold a completely divergent position from that of his Security Minister.
Museveni enumerated a number of factors that complicated the fight against terrorism which included policing gaps, infiltration of police by wrong elements, laxity, and deficits in the country’s technological capacity to fight crime.
“Although we had some success in fighting terrorism, I realized that there were gaps in the policing capacity of the country. There was the infiltration of police by criminal elements that colluded with criminals, laxity, and a serious deficit of technology capacity to fight crime,” Museveni revealed.
In conformity with Muhwezi’s assurance, however, Museveni reaffirmed the country’s undeniable capacity to stamp out all sorts of insurgencies orchestrated against his government.
“But I would like to assure the public that neither rural-based insurgency nor urban terrorism will defy our capacity,” he added.
General Muhwezi had earlier downplayed the seriousness of the two bomb attacks last week, saying It was only possible due to laxity from stakeholders.
Security has since claimed that the acts of domestic terrorism in the country are sponsored by rebel outfit – the Allied Democratic Forces(ADF).
“We are calling on the population to be vigilant. Security will come up with new guidelines for different operators – bus operators, restaurant operators, and others,” Muhwezi said.
He said that eastern Congo has been the haven for the ADF, and this is why it has taken them long to deal with it because the rebels exist outside the country. He was however quick to add that security is working with the government of DRC, and they shall soon manage the rebels once and for all.
“For those who tried to come into Uganda, we managed them. We followed Joseph Kony up to the Central African Republic, and he has never returned, the same will be said of ADF soon. You cannot mess with the UPDF,” Muhwezi assured.
Muhwezi urged Ugandans to be vigilant, saying that the public should work hand in hand with security to bring terrorism acts to an end.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
