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By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
The Uganda Police Force has intensified security measures ahead of the June 3, 2019 Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at Namugongo, the Uganda Police said in a statement on Tuesday May 21.
Security agencies from all security directorates have already started to implement large-scale plans and procedures to maintain security and order, combat crimes of all forms and achieve discipline during the celebrations.
“Every year, more than half a million Christians celebrate the Uganda Martyrs by making pilgrimage to Namugongo, in what is the country’s biggest annual gathering of worshippers. This therefore, is to inform the public that the joint security task team, actively policing the annual event, has tasked all territorial commanders and their respective communities to be sensitive to the pilgrims travelling on foot and ensure they receive maximum security and hospitality within their jurisdiction,” a statement by the Uganda police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said.
According to the statement, the number of pilgrims and other faith-based tourists visiting the historical religious shrine, keeps increasing every year, thus the police initiated an intensification of security services at all vital and important places in order to provide a secure environment during the celebrations.
The Police Spokesperson also noted that the joint security task team has been deployed to ensure the safety of both local and international pilgrims from immediate neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan among others, who are trekking the long distances in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
“It is therefore essential that their safety and security along the major highways is guaranteed and to further provide reassurance, support and advice to the pilgrims,” the statement reads.
He urged all team leaders to the pilgrims walking to ensure that the pilgrims carry warm clothing, avoid late night movements, identify habitable places for sleeping and coordinate with the police on how to use the busy traffic roads during their spiritual journey to Namugongo so as to help prevent accidents along the way.
He further stressed the need to ensure that all pilgrims stay vigilant while in Kampala city, due to the busy traffic and congestion, and to guard against criminals who would want to prey on them.
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