The Directorate of Crime Intelligence has reported that explosives have been repeatedly smuggled into Uganda through the Mutukula border in recent months. This information was disclosed during a security briefing where the police shared details of their most recent operation, which resulted in the interception of four boxes of explosives in Kampala.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga addressed the press, stating, “We are actively working to prevent the smuggling of explosives into our country through the Mutukula border. Almost every two weeks, we intercept explosives being transported from Mutukula to Kampala and other locations.”
According to the police, a team from Crime Intelligence in Kampala Metropolitan North apprehended four suspects in possession of explosives. These explosives were transported all the way from the Mutukula border on a bus with registration number UBL 685P.
Operatives successfully tracked the package from the border to Kampala, where they arrested a man named Benet Bwambale, who had picked it up. Bwambale’s arrest also led to the apprehension of Jamal Darasi, a transporter at Arua park. In addition, two more suspects, Donald Semagulu, a turnman, and Kizito Mizafaru, a resident of Mutukula and a bus conductor, were arrested and are currently under investigation.
This incident occurred just two months after Uganda was placed on high alert due to concerns of potential terrorist attacks. In response, joint security agencies have vowed to counter any terrorist elements that may pose a threat to Uganda.
In the previous month, the police recovered six Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from various locations, including Peaceful Guest House in Bunamwaya, Mabito Business Centre at Natete, and one IED was safely detonated at Rubaga Miracle Centre Church in Rubaga.
