On June 4, 2024, SCP Enanga Fred, the Police Spokesperson, announced that the Uganda Martyrs Day celebration was largely peaceful and successful. The Joint Security Agencies commended all security personnel and stakeholders who helped ensure a safe and secure event at Namugongo, Nakiyanja, and Mamre Prayer Center. The celebrations were considered a success from a security perspective.
Special thanks were extended to the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni, for their significant support and participation as Chief Guests. The event saw over 3.5 million participants, including international delegations from countries like the DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, Ethiopia, India, Japan, USA, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
Gratitude was also expressed to the organizers at the Catholic Site, Anglican Site, and Mamre Prayer Center. At the Catholic Site, His Grace Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, the Archbishop-elect of Gulu Archdiocese, was the main celebrant. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, led the celebrations at the Anglican Shrine, with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu, as the keynote speaker. Rt. Rev. Bishop Kibuuka Jacinto led prayers at Mamre Prayer Center.
SCP Enanga Fred acknowledged the contributions of several dignitaries, including Mama Maria Nyerere, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja, Rt. Hon. Annet Anitah Among, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Hon. David Bahati, Hon. Jimmy Akena, Hon. Margret Muhanga Musigha, other ministers, members of parliament, cultural leaders, members of the clergy, and other invitees who participated in the pilgrimage.
Appreciation was also given to the leadership of Kiira Municipality, the local community in Namugongo, and surrounding areas, local council members, and friends of the police like Sheikh Umaru Yusuf Sekagya. Special mention was made of the pilgrims who traveled long distances from places such as Kenya, DRC, Rwanda, Nebbi, Gulu, Kisoro, Rubanda, Bukwo, Tororo, Kasese, and Bunyangabo to renew their faith.
During the event, 415 suspects were arrested, with 165 of them screened for court. Additionally, 38 children were reported missing, and 29 of them were reunited with their parents. Nine children are still at the Child and Family Center at Namugongo Police Station as efforts continue to reunite them with their families.
The Joint Security Personnel, including the SFC, UPDF, Prisons, Joint Intelligence Teams of ISO, CMI, ESO, and CI, along with UPF Units such as General Duties, Field Force Unit, CID, Fire and Rescue, Traffic, Airwing, Forensic, K9, Integrated Highway Patrol, Public Relations, Chief Political Commissariat, Police Health Services, the Red Cross, and the media, were praised for their alertness and professionalism throughout the event.
SCP Enanga Fred concluded by emphasizing the importance of the police’s philosophy of working together to ensure the safety and security of the country. He reiterated that this approach would continue to make Uganda a safer and more pleasant place to live and visit. He praised the Joint Security Agencies and all stakeholders for delivering a peaceful, safe, and secure religious pilgrimage in commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs.
