Uganda: Bombing in Nakaseke District, Oct. 29; further attacks possible in the coming weeks

Event

Further bombings are possible in Uganda in the coming weeks following several attacks in October. The latest bomb blast occurred in Nakaseke District, located 20 km (13 miles) northwest of Kampala, killing two people. There were no claims of responsibility for the attack.

The latest incident was preceded by two other recent attacks. On Oct. 25, a bomb detonated on a bus traveling in Lungala, Mpigi District. The explosion killed the suspected attacker and injured three other people. The authorities blamed the DRC-based and Islamic State (IS)-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for the attack. A bombing in a restaurant in Kampala's Komamboga area, Kawempe Division, Oct. 23, killed at least one person and injured three others. IS claimed the attack noting that the target was chosen because of government employees who frequented the site. IS also claimed a bombing targeting a police post in Kawempe Division, Oct. 8.

Officials have reportedly increased security along the Uganda-DRC border in response to the violence. The security measures are reportedly most significant in the Lake Albert area. In response to the incidents, officials will almost certainly increase their presence near strategic sites, particularly in major cities.

Context

There is a moderate threat of terrorism in Uganda, and the number of attacks in the country has been low in recent years. Officials have claimed to have disrupted numerous terrorist plots. The last major attack, an Al-Shabaab-claimed bombing in Kampala, occurred in 2010. The US Embassy in Kampala issued a security alert Oct. 26, warning of the possibility of further attacks. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned that terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Uganda.

While the Ugandan security apparatus has made some progress in enhancing its anti-terrorism capabilities in recent years, its agencies continue to be hampered by limited resources and a lack of professionalism. A spate of targeted attacks against Muslim clerics in Uganda since 2012 has also sparked concerns of radicalization among fringe elements in the community. The planners of the recent incidents remain at large and further attacks are likely. Attacks could target civilian, government, military, police, or foreign interests.

Advice

Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Heed the instructions of security forces. Exercise vigilance in public areas, particularly near government buildings, in crowded locations, near embassies and on public transportation.