Uganda police force ICT department has set up phone lines for all pilgrims converging at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine for the 2017 3rd June Martyrs Day celebrations.
Mobile phone users have been urged to call and inform the police of any emergencies during events which begun last week, and will be concluded on Saturday 3rd June at Namugongo Martyrs shrine.
Addressing the police weekly press briefing at Naguru on Monday, Asan Kasingye, the police spokesperson, explained that mobile phone users should ring 112 to report any cases, while those with landlines are only to use 999.
Meanwhile, toll free lines have also been provided for both Catholic and protestant shrines, fire brigade, and canine units.
At Namugongo Catholic Shrine, Christians will use 0800 300 107, at the Anglican shrine, Christians will use 0800 300 108. For any fire emergencies at both shrines people are encouraged to call 0800 121 222, for the canine unit, which provides sniffer dogs, Christians are to call 0800 300 900, while for any traffic incidents, people will call 0800 199 099.
The force will also deploy 1,000 officers from different units to ensure security of pilgrims.
Kira Division Police Commander Richard Asiimwe explains that security agencies are taking precaution for cases of terrorism, general crime and accident threats as pilgrims arrive from various parts of the world to celebrate Uganda martyrs.
He says counter terrorism police personnel have already been deployed at the shrine as well as intelligence officers to avert any threat.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine Rector Fr Vincent Lubega told Howwe.Biz that over 300 pilgrims had been registered by Sunday evening, and more were still trekking in. The pilgrims were from Malawi, Congo, Pakwach, Mbarara Diocese, Kabale Diocese, Kasese Diocese and Hoima Diocese. He says over two million pilgrims are expected to attend this year's martyrs celebrations.
Asiimwe says security agencies have outlined a deployment plan to ensure that the event, pilgrims and celebrants are secure before and during the festivities.
