Uganda heightens security as it marks terror attack anniversary

Ugandan security agencies have stepped up and tightened security as the East African country marked the fifth anniversary of the twin bombings in the capital Kampala that left over 76 people dead and dozens injured.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, told Xinhua in an interview that the police and other security agencies have been deployed both foot and motorized personnel in the capital Kampala, surrounding areas and major towns to avoid the repeat of July 11, 2010 terror attack.

“We have heightened our security.

“We have deployed both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel on the ground.

“Our sister security agencies have personnel on the ground,” he said.

The twin bombings tore a huge crowd watching the World Cup Final at Kyandondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Restaurant, killing over 76 people and left dozens injured.

The Somali militants, ‘al-Shabaab’, with known links to al-Qaeda claimed responsibility of the deadly attack.

The firth terror anniversary is expected to be held at Kyandondo, one of the venues of the July 11, 2010 twin bombings.

At least 13 terror suspects that include Ugandans, Kenyans and Somalis are currently being tried by a High Court in Kampala for orchestrating the twin attacks.

“Terror threats are real.

“We urge the public to be vigilant, alert and lookout for any suspected terrorist as we make the anniversary,” said Onyango.

Uganda continues to face terrors threats from the ‘al-Shabaab’ militants from the Horn of African country for deploying troops for the peacekeeping mission in the volatile country.

Uganda currently has about 10,000 military troops and police in the war torn country under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).