Uganda at risk as Alshabaab threatens revenge.Uganda at risk as Alshabaab threatens revenge.
Uganda and Burundi have been forewarned of an imminent terror attack for their efforts in Somalia by the Alshabaab Matyrs Brigade a terrorits organisation associated with the Alqaeda. This follows recent clashes between the African Union troops and the Alshabaab militia which resulted in the death of Burundi deputy army commander and killing of a number of suspected terrorists in Mogadishu. According to UPDF spokesman Felix Kulaigye, Uganda has officially received threats from the terror outfit and security is working around the clock to avert a likelihood of a terror attack on the country.
While its neighbour Kenya and Tanzania were bombed in 2011 at the height of the Alqaeda attacks on the United States of America, Uganda despite its close relationship with the US, survived the attacks. Uganda is one of the few countries that have offered troops to provide protection to the transitional government in Somalia. According to the UPDF Spokesman, Uganda is commited to the provision of security for the stabilisation of the Abdoulahi led government. Asked whether Uganda is ready to contain a terror attack recently, President Museveni said that the duty of Uganda in Somalia is to protect the transitional government as part of their AU mandate but not to attack Alshabaab outposts in the country. He assured the nation that the threat would be dealt with militarily arguing that those threatening the country were not from mars as to excite fear in the region.
Meanwhile the Uganda Police is not taking the threat lightly. According to the head of CID, Uganda is aware of the threat and is not taking any chances. The general public has been urged to report any suspicious individuals. The police dog unit has also been undergoing intensive training in preparation for suspected terror attacks. The Police Chief General Kale Kayihura has ordered the department to breed more dogs. He said this while conducting a tour to the Police Dog Unit in Nsambya recently. With lack of mordern detection equipment, dogs remain one of the major detection devices recently being prominent in the nabbing of smugglers by the anti-narcotics unit.
Uganda provided troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia without the consent of parliament. According to opposition defence minister Alhajji Hussein Kyanjo, the country has lost a number of soildiers in a war that was not explained to the general public. The government of Uganda has stated that Uganda’s adventure in Horn of Africa is premised on its commitment to the African Union Peace keeping objectives.
