Kampala, Uganda – A 2021 report by the US State Department praises Uganda’s counter-terrorism efforts as the United Kingdom warns of a potential terror attack.
“Uganda is considered to have one of the most effective security forces in the region concerning counter-terrorism capabilities,” reads the report on the US State Department’s website.
Despite this, the United Kingdom was warned of a potential terror attack.
In a statement posted on the UK government website, the UK government warns of the likelihood of an attack.
“Uganda is at a significant risk of terrorist attacks, with terrorists likely to target both indiscriminate locations and places frequented by foreign nationals,” reads part of the alert.
The alert advises citizens and visitors to maintain vigilance, especially in crowded areas such as hotels, transport hubs, restaurants, and bars, and during major gatherings like sports or religious events.
Previous attacks in Uganda have targeted security forces, restaurants, government buildings, buses, and venues screening football matches.
Recent incidents include an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, attributed to militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), resulting in the loss of 42 lives.
Furthermore, terrorist attacks in central Kampala, involving explosive devices, caused fatalities and injuries.
The Uganda Police Force regularly issues alerts, particularly around public holidays and religious events, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and following local authorities’ advice.
The 2010 bomb attacks in Kampala during the World Cup final, claimed by Al-Shabaab, led to numerous casualties. The attacks were linked to Uganda’s military involvement in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission. Recent attacks have been claimed by Daesh (ISIS).
Ugandan authorities are working to mitigate the risk of further incidents, implementing additional security measures such as baggage and vehicle searches in public places, including hotels.
The global threat of terrorism affects British nationals and UK interests, prompting a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant at all times.
The UK Counter Terrorism Policing provides information and advice on staying safe abroad and how to respond in the event of a terrorist attack, emphasizing measures to reduce the risk of terrorism while traveling.
State Department Report
Uganda, known for its effective security forces, experienced its first terrorist incidents on home soil since 2010.
The attacks in 2021 were attributed to ISIS-DRC (also known as ADF) and targeted government officials and civilians. Uganda launched a joint operation with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) to combat ISIS-DRC.
Additionally, Uganda continued its significant role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to combat al-Shabaab.
The terrorist incidents in 2021 included an attempted assassination of a high-ranking government official, attacks attributed to ethnic tensions, an attempted suicide bombing, and bombings in Kampala.
The report adds that Uganda’s vulnerability to terrorism is attributed to porous borders, corruption, lack of trust and information sharing among security services, focus on opposition politicians, a militarized approach to countering extremism, and poor relations with local communities and civil society.
“Ugandan law enforcement has been accused of torturing Muslims suspected of affiliation with ADF. Lawyers defending accused terrorists fear government harassment and reputational risk,” says the report.
Regarding countering the financing of terrorism, the report adds that Uganda’s large banks comply with international standards, but smaller banks cannot do so. The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) lacks the high-level political will to regulate the financial sector effectively, and its reputation was damaged after freezing the accounts of respected NGOs.
“Uganda has been placed on FATF’s gray list and made a commitment to strengthen its AML/CFT regime,” reveals the report.
It adds that Uganda has not approved its draft national strategy to counter violent extremism, and community policing progress has been hindered by violent crackdowns and reported human rights abuses by security services.
“These factors contribute to violent extremism in the country.”
In terms of international and regional cooperation, Uganda deployed troops to combat ISIS-DRC in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and remained the largest troop-contributing country to AMISOM, countering al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia.
For more on this story, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda/terrorism
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