As the festive season approaches, security officials in Jinja city convened on Saturday with village and parish leaders, clergy, and other stakeholders to devise strategies for addressing potential security threats during the upcoming festivities. The meeting, held at Jinja City Hall, tackled crucial issues aimed at ensuring the safety of residents in and around the city.
Presiding over the gathering, Mr. Henry Kitambula, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for South Division in Jinja, emphasized the importance of maximum security and the need for vigilance among city dwellers. He acknowledged that the festive period often attracts individuals with malicious intent, and it is crucial for the community to be alert.
Mr. Kitambula called on churches and hotel operators to conduct thorough checks on clients at entry points, stressing the importance of recording identities as a critical security measure for tracing potential perpetrators engaged in unlawful activities.
“Nobody shall organize and hold any event or crusade in town and around without clearance from the police. We must ensure our people are safe,” warned Kitambula.
Expressing concern about the use of fireworks without security guidance, he cautioned against burning tires, citing “Clause 63” of the Roads Act, which criminalizes the abuse of roads by torching tires. The newly constructed roads, he emphasized, should not be disrupted by the burning of tires to welcome the new year.
Paul Batambuze, the Secretary for the Born Again faith in Jinja city, pledged effective implementation of the security principles outlined during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of metal detectors at churches. He encouraged fellow church leaders to invest in such security instruments to mitigate potential threats.
“We need to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in happiness, not anguish. Let us take the crucial security guidelines very seriously,” rallied Batambuze to church leaders.
Muhammad Mwanje, the Chairperson of Nile Crescent in Jinja city, highlighted the significant role of local leaders in ensuring security but expressed concern about the lack of equipment such as torches for monitoring their respective areas. The security officials provided urgent contacts for citizens to report any security concerns to the authorities, fostering a collaborative effort to maintain safety during the festive season.
