More than 7,000 personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) have been deployed to provide both visible and undercover security during this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo.
Scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, the annual event draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond, honoring 45 Christian martyrs who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.
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To ensure the event runs smoothly, the joint security team has been holding several planning meetings in advance. On Friday, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Frank Mwesigwa, the director of police operations, inspected preparations at both the Catholic and Anglican shrines.
Following his assessment, Mwesigwa confirmed that the deployment strategy was progressing as planned.
“I’ve reviewed security arrangements at both sites and commend the officers for their dedication to ensuring the pilgrims’ safety. Over 7,000 security personnel—both in plain clothes and uniform—are now in place,” he stated.
During a briefing at Namugongo, unit commanders from the Special Forces Command (SFC), Counter-Terrorism, Field Force Unit (FFU), Regional Police Commanders, and Division Police Commanders affirmed their coordination and commitment to operate as one force to secure the event.
Emergency response units—including standby teams, mobile squads, and medical personnel—have also been positioned to offer immediate support if needed. “We encourage pilgrims to attend with confidence in the safety measures we’ve put in place,” Mwesigwa said.
Meanwhile, AIGP Mwesigwa and Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng led an inter-agency meeting to align security operations with emergency medical planning. Dr. Aceng reassured the public of the ministry’s readiness.
“Our first aid teams are fully prepared. Whatever challenges arise, we are ready to respond. We’ve planned carefully, and we expect the celebrations to proceed smoothly,” she said.
She added that Joint Medical Stores (JMS) had provided additional medical supplies to both shrines to support the event.
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