National Security in the Face of Terrorism

By Dennis Katungi

When we hear or talk of national security, what is it? It is the safety of a nation against all threats e.g. terrorism, war, and espionage.  It is the safekeeping of the nation as a whole, the shielding of a country, its economy, its people & property from attack by external as well as internal threats.

That ability of a state to cater for the protection and defense of its citizenry, the removal of fear or dangers is what is meant by national security. The State does this by maintaining armed forces and intelligence assets as well as guarding state secrets.

In the face of the recent wave of terror attacks, it’s crucial to reiterate that the duty to safeguard Uganda, its people & property falls not just on Government but on all of us.  The population is the first line of self guarding.  Are we all primed and on red alert?  The impression one gets is that the government is expected to be the sole player in national security. 

True, Police and other Security apparatus should be out there looking to extinguish all fires that threaten national security, but the reality is that you and I are part of this security arrangement.  In fact, the citizens going about their daily chores are critical to national security.  They ought to be the eyes and ears of the formal security agencies.

That’s why you hear of ‘the neighborhood watch’ in some countries like the UK.  In Uganda, we had a system called ‘Mayumba Kumi’ late 1970’s early 1980’s. This evolved into Resistance Councils in the mid-80s early 90s and that culminated into the current Local Councils.  This is where national security winds its way up till it reaches the Apex – the National Security Council - chaired by the head of state and commander in chief.  It ought to be a seamless chain of observing, sharing, reporting & curtailing any sort of adverse activity that could turn into a security threat.  For example, do you know your workers well? Do you keep documentation including copies of National IDs of your household, business, and Farmworkers when you hire them? Do you record their origin, last place of employment as well as next of kin?

The mere fact that one of the bomb victims in Komamboga, Emily Nyinaneza was buried in a public cemetery with no record or attendance of next of kin points to a serious loophole.  How did this business employ the young lady, said to have worked in the area for over four years with no record of next of kin? The nationality itself was disputed with some reports saying she was a Rwandese national and others saying she was born and grew up in the area.  That is a serious matter.  Citizens must know that even a house-help must be documented.

Last year, there was the case of a House girl who run away from a crime in Masaka but quickly got a job in Kampala and went on to harm the kid she was looking after in Kampala.  The family never did the basic due diligence.  You are supposed to ask any new prospective worker about their previous employment or origin. Possibly take a reference, something like: Can I speak to your last employer?

If people come to you and straight away get employed, no question asked, nor IDs taken, no record of their next of kin, you are breaching your own security, your family as well as national security. It is that simple. This applies across the board; be it a House girl/boy, Farmworker, or Business worker.

The second aspect - actively getting to know your neighbors.  If you are a Landlord/Lady, never rent out your property to people without asking questions and taking copies of documents. National & work IDs, a reference from a previous Tenancy, next of kin, place of employment, copy of a Bank Statement, contact for ICE = (In case of emergency) all these ought to be copied and a record kept. You should always ask: can I speak to your most recent Landlord or place of abode if your prospective tenant is renting for the first time.

The third aspect in security consciousness – be observant! If anything, anyone, any situation looks out of the normal, take note and report to Police.  Memorize odd situations, faces, objects and report them.  Remember Police photo fits of crime suspects are drawn from descriptions from eyewitnesses or passersby.  Don’t just go about your daily business as if you have no care in the world. From when you board that Taxi on your way to work or drive out of your gate, be vigilant and observant.  Who is sitting next to you? Do they have suspicious luggage? Do they look nervous and sweaty in calm weather? You could be sitting next to a terror suspect with his/her bomb. Don’t be passive! Be alert & switched on all the time as you go about your daily business.  You are part of the national security apparatus and together, we can beat or mitigate terrorism and crime.

Dennis Katungi is Head of Communications & Media Relations at Uganda Media Centre.   @Dennis_Katungi