The Uganda Police Force has warned the public against sharing travel plans and personal movements on social media as it steps up security operations ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Police say criminals increasingly monitor online platforms to identify homes left unattended during the holiday season, making oversharing a growing security risk.
Addressing journalists during the weekly police press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke said security agencies are on high alert to ensure that Ugandans and visitors celebrate peacefully and safely.
Rusoke noted that the festive season, which coincides with preparations for the 2026 general elections, is typically marked by heavy travel, family gatherings and entertainment events, activities that often attract criminal elements.
“People advertise their travels online, yet the thief is also on the same platform watching. Before you realise it, you are reporting a burglary,” Rusoke said.
Police advised travellers to inform trusted neighbours of their movements and strengthen neighbourhood watch arrangements. Residents were urged to save contacts of nearby police posts rather than relying on personal connections during emergencies.
Rusoke also raised concern over land-related violence during family gatherings, saying festive meetings intended to resolve disputes often escalate into fights involving machetes and other weapons.
He warned against illegal land evictions during the holiday period, particularly when courts are not fully operational. Police, he said, will act against individuals who exploit the festive season to carry out unlawful evictions.
On entertainment and social events, Rusoke reminded organisers that all music shows and large public gatherings must receive written clearance from the Inspector General of Police and be jointly planned with district security committees.
He cautioned promoters against advertising musicians who will not perform, noting that such practices have previously triggered riots, injuries and deaths.
“Organisers who mislead the public will be arrested. Advertise only musicians who will perform,” he said.
Churches and other religious institutions planning overnight prayers were urged to coordinate with security agencies, citing risks such as crime, fire outbreaks and child abductions during night gatherings.
Turning to road safety, Rusoke expressed concern over drunk driving, speeding, overloading and reckless boda boda riding. He said traffic enforcement operations will be intensified, especially targeting public transport vehicles.
He emphasised the use of helmets and seatbelts and adherence to traffic rules, noting that many fatal accidents during the festive season are caused by preventable negligence.
Police also announced heightened vigilance on water transport, with marine units inspecting vessels to ensure they are seaworthy and properly equipped with life jackets.
On fire safety, Rusoke warned against leaving children unattended at home, using faulty electrical appliances and operating public venues without firefighting equipment.
He further cautioned the public against online fraud, pickpocketing and moving with large sums of cash, encouraging the use of digital payment methods during shopping and travel.
Livestock owners were urged to guard animals at night to prevent theft, with police warning that leaving animals grazing far from homesteads makes policing difficult.
On terrorism, Rusoke said Uganda remains on high alert, urging the public to report suspicious persons, unattended luggage and cooperate with security officers during searches in crowded places such as bus parks, malls, churches and entertainment venues.
Police reminded the public of emergency contacts, including the toll-free line 0800-199-699, Airtel 0707-600-773, MTN 0776-999-136, and the fire emergency toll-free line.
