The Uganda Police has dismissed rumor of a security threat in the country and urged the public to go about their activities and businesses normally without any fear.
This came after a document leaked claiming there was an imminent terrorism threat as party-goers get ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Police Spokesman Fred Enanga in a statement released on the police social media sites, said the message was meant for territorial commanders and not for public consumption.
“The public is, therefore, asked to go about their activities and businesses normally without any fear. We shall communicate any possible dangers or the need for vigilance, when the situation warrants,” Enanga said.
Police says investigations have kicked off to ascertain how the information leaked to the public and disciplinary or criminal action will be taken against the culprits.
Below is the full statement.
Clarification on Internal circular on threat level
We have noted with serious concern, leakage of a circular, warning our Territorial Commanders to remain vigilant over an invisible threat. The information was routine and not announced publicly, because it did not warrant any responses from the public. We would like to reassure the public that there is no credible and specific threat at this stage against our country.
As always, we shall only provide the public with information about threats that are credible and visible. It usually includes the various steps they can take to better protect themselves, their families, business and communities. The public is therefore asked to go about their activities and businesses normally without any fear. We shall communicate any possible dangers or the need for vigilance, when the situation warrants.
We continue to monitor the prevailing security situation based on our intelligence and will respond appropriately to protect our citizens and visitors from any threats. We are meanwhile investigating the leakage of official documents meant for our internal circulation only. It will focus on identifying the culprits and how it was publicly leaked.
A decision will be made to prosecute them in our disciplinary or criminal courts once investigations are completed.