The police have warned leaders of opposition political parties of what they say are specific threats by the Somalia-based al-Shabaab terrorists to assassinate them.
But the leaders, who held a closed meeting in Kampala yesterday, want the Police to shed more light on the warning, which some of them are treating with suspicion.
Daily Monitor heard from several opposition politicians that this could be part of a government ploy to wage a war of fear against them in a bid to limit their exercise of the right to freedom of association and assembly, especially in respect to the walk-to-work protests against the high cost of living.
A letter communicating the threat of terrorism against political leaders sent out on Tuesday, indicates that the police have received believable reports that the terrorists are already in the country and are preparing to strike.
We have received highly credible information
that al-Shabaab terrorists have infiltrated the country with plans to assassinate prominent political leaders, especially leaders of the opposition, reads the letter which was signed by the police boss, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura.
The police, however, assured the opposition leaders that a manhunt for the terrorists has intensified. They also advised the leaders to be vigilant and to increase security measures around themselves.
In the meantime, we strongly advise that you take extra precaution for your personal security at home, at work/social and business engagement.
Maj. Gen. Kayihura further said in the event that the opposition politicians cannot afford extra security measures, the Force was ready and willing to provide police security to man their homes, offices and for escort purposes.
Source: Monitor
But the leaders, who held a closed meeting in Kampala yesterday, want the Police to shed more light on the warning, which some of them are treating with suspicion.
Daily Monitor heard from several opposition politicians that this could be part of a government ploy to wage a war of fear against them in a bid to limit their exercise of the right to freedom of association and assembly, especially in respect to the walk-to-work protests against the high cost of living.
A letter communicating the threat of terrorism against political leaders sent out on Tuesday, indicates that the police have received believable reports that the terrorists are already in the country and are preparing to strike.
We have received highly credible information
that al-Shabaab terrorists have infiltrated the country with plans to assassinate prominent political leaders, especially leaders of the opposition, reads the letter which was signed by the police boss, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura.
The police, however, assured the opposition leaders that a manhunt for the terrorists has intensified. They also advised the leaders to be vigilant and to increase security measures around themselves.
In the meantime, we strongly advise that you take extra precaution for your personal security at home, at work/social and business engagement.
Maj. Gen. Kayihura further said in the event that the opposition politicians cannot afford extra security measures, the Force was ready and willing to provide police security to man their homes, offices and for escort purposes.
Source: Monitor
