Heightened Security Awareness

August 18, 2010

This Warden Message is to remind all U.S. citizens living in Uganda of heightened security concerns following the July 11 bombings in Kampala and the latest Department of State Worldwide Travel Caution, which updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.  In this caution, the bombings are referenced as follows:

A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around Africa.  Since the July 11, 2010, terrorist bombings in Kampala, Uganda, for which the Somalia-based, U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility, there have been increased threats against public areas across East Africa.  The terrorist bombing in two public venues in Kampala, which resulted in 74 deaths, highlights the vulnerabilities of large public gatherings in East Africa and around the world. 

Recent information obtained from the investigation into the July 11 Kampala bombings indicates that Americans and westerners in general were intended targets of the bombings.  Per our Worldwide Travel Caution, U.S. citizens should be alert to the possibility of additional terrorist attacks in Uganda.  The U.S. Embassy continues to encourage U.S. citizens to strongly consider the risk of attending or being near large public gatherings, especially those with large numbers of westerners and no visible security presence, as these gatherings can provide vulnerable targets for extremist or terrorist groups.

U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road.  The phone number is (256) (0) (414) 306 001 or (256) (0) (414) 259 791, fax (256) (0) (414) 258 451, email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov, and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays).