KAMPALA – Uganda police has on May 30 released security guidelines for pilgrims ahead of Martyrs day celebrations in Namugongo
This year’s Martyrs Day celebrations will be held on June 3 2019.
Pilgrims according to police, are expected to gather at three different venues including Namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine, Anglican Martyrs Shrine Namugongo and Mamiree.
According to church representatives, millions of people are expected to grace the event from all over the world.
In the release to the press, Police confirmed their readiness with measures to make sure that all the pilgrims reach safely at their destinations.
ACP Polly Namaye the Deputy Public Relation Officer in Uganda Police Force said in that day there will be the deployment of both overt and covert personnel from police and other security agencies.
“Police marine unit has also stationed on the water sources to prevent anybody from drowning,” she added.
ACP Namaye added that there will be traffic diversions on most routes leading to the shrines.
“We request the public to follow the guidelines that have been put in place,” she added.
Police is set with CCTV cameras erected in various spots around Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area.
“They will also be used to monitor both pilgrims at the shrines and routes they will use,” she noted.
In addition to that, ACP confirmed aerial surveillance which will be used from the police Airwing.
Police has cautioned pilgrims; with children, to, at all times, keep an eye on them to avoid child loss and kidnap incidents
The Police Deputy PRO has assured pilgrims that there will be a tent for Child and Family Protection Department where lost children shall be kept.
“Parents will be able to crosscheck in the tent whenever your child is missing,” the release read.
In addition to loss and theft, there will be a complaint desk where such cases will be registered.
The security force added that items that can cause harm to others or breach security will not be allowed in and out of the shrines.
For health matters, Police medical team will be available in the health tent which has already been set up at the shrine.
“Ambulances from the UPF, UPDF, Ministry of health and Red Cross have been stationed at the shrines,” Namaye added.
Service providers are requested to keep time and set up their stations at the venues before D-Day.
“This will be done to help security in planning and also looking for threats early enough,” it read.
Police urged the public to be aware of their environment and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police.
In the drive to end the day successfully, Police, other security organs will be working with stakeholders like religious leaders and Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities.
To ease communication with security agencies on Martyrs day, Police has provided toll-free contacts to reach on in case of any emergency.
Catholic shrine can reach Police on 0800300102, Anglican Church will use 0800300108 and Mamire on 0800199192.
Other police contacts are 999 and 112.
