By Fred Kiva
The police have announced a set of measures ahead of 3rd June Martyrs’ Day commemoration at Namugongo.
Addressing the media at Namugongo on Thursday, Deputy Police Spokesperson Polly Namaye said the measures put in place are to ensure safety for millions of Christians from across the world that have made the pilgrimage to the area. Namaye revealed that personnel from police and other security agencies have been deployed.
“We shall deploy both overt and covert personnel from police and other security agencies. Police Marine Unit has also stationed on the water sources to prevent anybody from drowning,” she said.
“There will be traffic diversions on most routes leading to the shrines and we request the public to follow the guidelines that have been put in place. CCTV cameras have been erected in various spots around Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area. They will also be used to monitor pilgrims at both shrines and routes. In addition to that, aerial surveillance will be used from the police Air wing,” Namaye further revealed.
She added that the Police Child and Family Protection Unit has also stationed at the venue to take care of children. “This time around, representatives from the Child and Family Protection Department have established a tent that will act as the temporary ground where lost and found children will be kept. Parents will be able to crosscheck in the tent whenever your child is missing,” she said.
A complaint desk will be put to register cases of thefts, or loss of property and persons. Toll-free Police hotlines for the respective shrines have also been issued out. Meanwhile, health teams from the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) will be on standby in the health tent to respond to any emergencies.
Namaye said ambulances from the UPF, UPDF, Ministry of health and Red Cross have been stationed at the shrines.
