Uganda Martyrs' Day to be celebrated amidst tight Security

As the Church in Uganda prepares to celebrate the Uganda Martyrs’ Day on June 3rd, the Director of Social Communication at the Uganda Catholic Bishops Conference, Fr. Philipp Odii, has said the church leadership is cooperating with the State to ensure maximum security. He said the committee in charge of Security for the preparations of the celebrations of the Uganda Martyrs is already working with the Ugandan Police. He explained that tough security measures are necessary to prevent terrorist attacks on the pilgrims who this year may total 1.5 million. The United States embassy in Uganda warned last week that places of worship in the capita, Kampala, were specific targets of the terrorists. Uganda is one of the major contributors of troops to the African Union force fighting the Al-Shabaab Islamic militants in Somalia. On July 11th, 2010 the country experienced  terrorist attacks when suicide bombers exploded themselves in two locations where hundreds of soccer fans were watching the Final match of the World Football cup that was being played in South Africa. Seventy four people died and more than 70 were seriously injured. Later Al -Shabaab, claimed responsibility as retaliation for Uganda’s support for the African Union mission in Somalia.