NAGULU KAMPALA – With just few days remaining until Christmas, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has announced a nationwide security “heightened alert.” The move aims to secure the festive season, which this year coincides with the high-stakes lead-up to the 2026 General Elections.
In a comprehensive statement released Saturday, police authorities extended holiday greetings to Ugandans and visitors while emphasizing that the dual nature of the season—celebrations and political activity—requires extra vigilance.
Strict Crackdown on Event Organizers
The police have issued a stern warning to promoters and event organizers planning music shows and social gatherings. Under new directives, all events must be cleared in writing by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Key requirements for event venues include: Capacity Control: Overcrowding is strictly prohibited, Safety Infrastructure: Venues must have clear exits, firefighting equipment, and adequate lighting, and Fraud Prevention: Police warned that “advertising artistes who will not attend events” is a criminal offense and will lead to immediate prosecution for fraud.
Neighborhood Watch and Home Security
Acknowledging that the festive period often sees a spike in burglaries and domestic violence, the UPF urged citizens not to leave homes unattended.
”Inform a trusted neighbor when traveling and strengthen neighborhood watch groups,” the statement read. Police also encouraged the public to report suspicious animal movements to curb livestock theft, which historically rises during the holidays.
Road and Water Safety Enforcement
To combat the annual rise in road carnage, traffic police are set to intensify operations targeting drunk driving, reckless driving, and overloading, with a specific focus on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
On the water, the police issued a “no-life-jacket, no-travel” reminder, warning that only seaworthy boats will be allowed to operate.
Counter-Terrorism and Vigilance
Despite the celebratory mood, the security forces reminded the public that the threat of terrorism remains a priority. Security agencies are on high alert to detect and prevent potential attacks in crowded areas.
”The public is urged to report unattended luggage or suspicious persons immediately and cooperate with security officers during screening at malls, churches, and bus parks,” the police statement emphasized.
Emergency Contacts
The Uganda Police Force has provided several hotlines for the public to report incidents or seek help:
- General Emergencies (Toll-Free): 0800 199 699
- Fire Emergencies (Toll-Free): 0800 121 222
- Airtel: 0707 600 773
- MTN: 0776 999 136
The statement concluded with a call for “Wanainchi” (citizens) to celebrate responsibly and work closely with security personnel to ensure the safety of all communities.