The government has been chastised for failing to respond to a UK terror alert.

Members of Parliament have chastised the government for ignoring warnings from the UK Counter Terrorism Police about impending terror strikes in Uganda two weeks ago.

The UK government had previously cautioned British citizens to be particularly cautious about their security, warning that attacks on Uganda may be carried out indiscriminately, including in tourist areas…

“You should exercise extreme caution at all times, particularly in busy areas and public venues like as hotels, transportation hubs, restaurants, and bars, as well as during significant gatherings such as sporting or religious events,” the notice stated.

Despite the emergence of sleeper terrorist cells, Uganda’s terror alert levels have not yet been raised, according to Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga.

However, a week later, an attack in Komamboga, a Kampala suburb, claimed the life of Emily Nyiraneza. A second blast occurred on a Swift bus bound for Ishaka, killing one Isaac Matovu, who is suspected of being a suicide bomber.

State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi was charged yesterday afternoon with explaining why government security services overlooked the UK terror threat and why entertainment venues continue to operate despite coronavirus disease control measures.

After the UK terror notice, Uganda was assaulted barely a week later, according to Mukono North MP Abdulla Kiwanuka, who claims the police were cautious rather than proactive. To avoid such situations, he adds, Uganda must ensure that its intelligence is top-notch.

Martin Mugabi Muzaale, a Buzaya County MP, said Uganda has to collaborate with the UK government to prevent such attacks because the UK appears to be ahead of Uganda in terms of intelligence.

Similarly, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah believes that the alarm should have piqued Uganda’s curiosity so that the threat might be mitigated.

Muhoozi, on the other hand, claimed that Uganda had previously faced terrorism in both rural and urban areas. “Our resolve is put to the test. We will also defeat this wave. In both incidents, security services are following all leads in order to apprehend the perpetrators.

I’d like to emphasize that terrorism is a threat to everyone. It is indiscriminate in its application. He stated, “We need everyone in the struggle.”

Meanwhile, MPs Jonathan Odur, Godfrey Onzima, and Elijah Okupa questioned why the bar in Komamboga was open past curfew, claiming that there is a lot of laxity in enforcing government standards at a time when security should be heightened.

Uganda has its own intelligence, Muhoozi reminded the plenary, and terrorism is not a problem that can be solved without cooperation.