KAMPALA
The Government has defended the heavy security deployment in Kampala city centre and along major routes leading to the Central Business District (CBD), saying the move is intended to curb rising crime.
Security personnel drawn from the police, the army; the Special Forces Command (SFC) have since last weekend mounted almost every corner of Kampala and intensified patrols across the city, sparking concern and speculation among members of the public.
Addressing the matter, Internal Affairs Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said the deployment should instead reassure residents.
“It is good. When security is moving around, you move when you are safe,” Mundeyi said. “We are in the middle of the day and security is visible. That is a good thing.”
He noted that Kampala has recently registered several criminal incidents, necessitating a stronger security presence.
“In fact, recently we have had so many crime instances in Kampala, and I’m sure the security deployed is handling those crime instances,” he said.
Mundeyi dismissed speculation circulating on social media about the motive of the deployment, including claims that it is targeted at specific individuals or events.
The visible presence of armed personnel has been reported along key entry and exit points to the city, as well as within the CBD.
Some members of the public have expressed concern over the scale of the operation, questioning whether there is an imminent security threat.
Mundeyi further alleged that the heavy security presence could also be part of broader measures to forestall possible protests by street vendors who were recently evicted from the city streets.
“My suspicion is they are trying to keep the Mbappé out of town. That would be the reason” he added.
Kampala Metropolitan Police has yet to issue a detailed statement on the duration of the deployment, but officials insist the situation remains calm and under control.
