With terrorist organizations including ISIS, Alshabaab and Bokoharam increasingly becoming sophisticated in their methods of work, the United Kingdom (UK) has stepped up its security ties with Uganda in an effort to deal with the threats posed by the different terrorist groups globally. The British high commissioner to Uganda, Alison Blackburne handed over an assortment of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) training kits to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to strengthen its efforts in countering terrorism threats at Entebbe International Airport.
Blackburne handed over the IED Kits to State Minister for Transport Stephen Chebrot at ceremony that was held at the Protea Hotel Entebbe on Monday. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Blackburne noted:
“Aviation security is another vital element in protecting all our citizens from acts of terrorism. Security is a priority for us all, so I am delighted that the UK Government continues to work closely with UCAA, in order to further strengthen the existing aviation security regime in Uganda”
The British High commissioner who also opened a five day UK Security supervisors training course running from November 9-13 at Protea Hotel revealed that the IED Kits have been made by the UK military experts especially with aviation in mind and include ‘dummy devices’ that mirror recent threats against aviation around the world, including bombs concealed by passengers in their belongings.
“The IED Kits will assist to broaden aviation security detection capability at Entebbe Airport. In addition to the equipment the UK Government will offer various levels of aviation security training courses to CAA on; Explosive trace detection machines, X-ray screening, physical search of baggage and people, aviation security supervisors skills and on the job mentoring at Entebbe Airport for local inspectors” she stressed.
On his part Minister Chebrot urged all stakeholders operating at Entebbe International Airport to continuously identify the gaps in security to counter terrorist threats.
“I would like to applaud the UK government for providing us with the IED equipments. This is a timely intervention and I would like to urge all stakeholders operating at Entebbe Airport to always be vigilant and identify security gaps in order to provide the safest air travel to passengers” he said
Meanwhile CAA Executive Director Ramah Makuza appealed to all users of the Airport to be security conscious and always report any suspicious person or item to the police and other security agencies.
“I would thank the UK Government for providing us with the IED equipments; they will boost our security levels at the Airport. My humble appeal to all users of the Airport is to always be security conscious and report any suspicious person or item to the police and other security agencies” he noted.
