In an official statement released on Wednesday by the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), it has been announced that the President will deliver an address at 8:00 PM on Thursday. This address will focus on “security matters and other issues of national importance.”

The President’s forthcoming address comes in the wake of recent security concerns, particularly regarding the detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around the capital city, spanning several days.

On Sunday, a significant security incident occurred when a joint security team deployed at the Miracle Centre Church in Kayanja Triangle zone, Rubaga parish, Kampala district, intercepted an individual posing as a churchgoer. The security team uncovered and safely detonated an IED located near the main entrance to the church.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga disclosed that additional IEDs were discovered in Kampala and Wakiso districts. Notably, one IED was found abandoned at the Peaceful Guesthouse in Ngobe-Bunamwanya, Wakiso.

This brings the total count of IEDs discovered and rendered safe to six within just two days. Furthermore, the number of suspects apprehended in connection with these incidents, now linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, has risen to six individuals.

MPs Call for Enhanced Security Measures

Members of Parliament (MPs) took action on Tuesday by calling upon the government to implement comprehensive security measures to address potential threats posed by terrorists. Specifically, the legislators urged the government to establish security guidelines for individuals operating in markets, churches, and bars to ensure the safety of all visitors to these public places.

ADF’s Status

The President’s last address to the nation occurred on July 13, 2023, in response to the suspected ADF attack on a secondary school in Kasese municipality, during which more than 40 lives were tragically lost. During this address, the President emphasized that the ADF had been significantly weakened and characterized the remaining threat as primarily an intelligence challenge—identifying the remnants and understanding their plans.

He stated that the ADF’s targeting of unarmed civilians, such as schoolchildren, demonstrated the group’s diminished capacity to conduct military operations. The President underscored the success of efforts to degrade the ADF from a formidable military force to a group primarily seeking soft targets.

Address to be Broadcast Live

The upcoming presidential address, as indicated by Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda, will be broadcast live on all television and radio stations. This extensive coverage underscores the significance of the address and the imperative for the public to remain informed and vigilant in these challenging times.