The Uganda Police Force have issued a terror alert, as they work with their counterparts in Kenya to ascertain if there are any Ugandans affected in yesterday’s terrorist attack.
The attack at the DusitD2 hotel in the Westlands district of Kenya’s capital Nairobi left at least 14 people dead.
The Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabab said it was behind the attack.
President Uhuru Kenyatta this morning told the nation in a televised address that the the attackers had been killed.
In a press statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said, “We are are working closely with our counterparts to verify whether any Ugandan Citizens could have been affected by the incident and advise those planning to travel to Nairobi or other areas to contact security and their travel agencies for further guidance.”
Enanga said despite the attacks in the neighbouring country, the situation in Uganda is “still calm and peaceful.”
He added, “although there are no specific threats to our country, we do reaffirm our commitment to tackling terrorism and have raised our security level of activities amidst a wider range of interventions that will enable us reduce further the risks to the public.”
He called for public vigilance to be able to promptly report any likely terrorism concerns to the police on toll free numbers; 0800199699 and 0800122291.
In an earlier note dated Jan 15, Police Director Counter Terrorism Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Abas Byakagaba had instructed all Unit Commanders to be on high alert and take all the necessary precautionary measures.
“Ensure maximum vigilance and activate all measures to protect all vulnerable areas; including crowded places, hotels, tourist sites and other facilities,” AIGP Byakagaba ordered.
Uganda suffered a similar terrorist attack in 2010 when soccer fans watching World Cup finals at Ethiopian Village Kabalagala and Kyadondo Rugby Club were bombarded. At least 74 people were killed while 71 others were injured in the twin explosions.