By As thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and neighboring countries descend upon Namugongo for the annual Martyrs Day celebrations, the Uganda Police Force has moved to assure the public of heightened security and seamless coordination throughout the event.
Speaking to this publication at Namugongo, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Ubaldo Bamunoba, the Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda Police, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during the religious pilgrimage.
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“We want to inform all Ugandans and our friends from other countries who have arrived or are still on the way that we have fully deployed our forces to protect you and your property,” said AIGP Bamunoba.
The Police Chief urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies, highlighting that different service tents including for criminal investigations (CID), child and family protection, and medical support have been set up to serve attendees.
He encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior or incidents promptly. “Timely information is our strongest weapon against criminal and terrorist threats. Please approach any officer whether in black, khaki, camouflage, or UPDF uniform and share your concerns,” he said.
Acknowledging the risk posed by criminal elements and potential terror threats, Bamunoba reminded Ugandans that security is a shared responsibility.
To the deployed officers, Bamunoba issued a firm directive to act professionally and respectfully: “This is your time to show your capabilities. You have no reason to push, yell, or use bad language. Explain your actions with courtesy. The people here didn’t attend your briefings, they don’t know the intelligence you have.”
He particularly emphasized treating the public with dignity, saying: “You don’t have to push a woman or shout at anyone to enforce a directive. Kindly explain why you want them to use Gate A instead of Gate B.”
The annual Martyrs Day celebrations draw hundreds of thousands of believers from across East Africa in honor of the 45 Ugandan Christian martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith. The pilgrimage culminates on June 3rd, making Namugongo one of the most spiritually significant sites in Uganda.
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Concluding his address, AIGP Bamunoba encouraged pilgrims to stay alert, watch out for one another, and “enjoy your stay here. Know your neighbor and be cautious.”
The Uganda Police Force, in collaboration with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies, has vowed to maintain a strong presence throughout the celebration period to ensure a safe and peaceful commemoration.
