The Uganda Police Force warned that there was a high alert from credible intelligence reports that Al-Shabaab, a Somali-based militant group, was planning to conduct a spate of attacks within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. “Kampala International University in Makindye Division and Arena Mall are among some of the listed potential targets.
The Makindye area has been in the limelight for some time now, being one of the neighbourhoods with the biggest population of international residents, especially students from Somalia. According to the police statement, it is thought that five Al-Shabaab suicide bombers managed to enter Uganda aiming to carry out such attacks.
Therefore, in response to this threat, the security agencies have been directed to forward this vital information to the concerned authorities and the management of the targeted locations, including KIU. The urgent measures were called upon to enhance the security at the university on a priority basis by sealing all the access points and monitoring everything.
The police have also called on the public, inclusive of members of the university community, to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities since the situation was being closely monitored. KIU management is expected to fully cooperate with security directives to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors during this period of heightened threat.
