By eastafrican gazette
The Police and the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) have increased deployment Fort Portal City in preparation for the International Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2024.
According to the police deputy spokesperson, Claire Nabakka, President Yoweri Museveni is anticipated to attend the event as the Chief Guest.
This year’s day will be held under the topic “Improving access to labour justice, a prerequisite for increased productivity.”
Labour Day is commemorated to recognize workers’ contributions to national development and to raise more national awareness about the need of promoting workers’ rights.
The day is often used also to remind employees about their responsibilities and obligations.
During a joint weekly security briefing at the police headquarters on April 29, 2024, Nabakka briefed journalists that a joint security team is already in the area to ensure the place is secure for the occasion.
“We have put strategic plans in place to secure the event. We already have the international labour week ongoing. So we are securing that amidst any threats or vulnerabilities. Although the levels of preparedness are robust, and advanced, we continue to access our security plan for hotspots and other high risk targets with various tactical response teams in place,” she added.
Nabakka emphasized that they are prepared to counter any type of threat given their capacity and capacities.
The public has been advised to remain watchful and observant during Labour Week and on the major day, to report any suspicious people or activity.
“As usual let’s practice a collective responsibility for safety by remaining vigilant and reporting concerns to the nearest police or any other security teams that you will be able to access,” he noted.
Fort Portal, as part of the Rwenzori sub-region, remains one of the sites that could be targeted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist organization.
Security has been alert in the area following multiple surprise attacks last year.
From June to December 2023, the ADF killed around 64 persons, including 37 students from Lhubirira Secondary School in Mpondwe, Kasese.