KAMPALA: Leaders across the political divide have condemned the terror attacks in Kampala on Tuesday, 16 November 2021, which claimed at least six lives.
According to the leaders, this is the time for the country to stand together and defeat such acts, which they said go against the national values of stability, unity and peace.
National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi, aka, Bobi Wine, took to his social media pages to express solidarity with the families of the victims.
“Friends, As we all try to understand the cause of the explosions in Kampala today, let’s all to look out for each other and be extremely vigilant. Very sad that lives have been lost and many others are injured. We should stand strongly with each other in such a tough time,” he said.
The FDC party president, Mr Patrick Amuriat Oboi, called for dialogue and tolerance to avoid future occurrences of such acts.
“Sad that innocent lives have been lost. This must be national concern. FDC advocates peaceful resolution of conflicts. NRM arrogance will not answer the begging questions, this is possible time to open up dialogue. Military might will hurt us more,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah said: “Deepest sympathies to families of our people killed in today’s terrorist attack, and a quick recovery to those injured. As I have said before, we are our first line of defence. Be each other’s keeper, share with Police all information of security concern. Uganda shall prevail.”
Deputy Speaker Anita Among said: “I ask the Country to rally behind our security agencies as they deal with this situation and may we more than ever, stand together as a country and defeat the cowards planning evil against our people. God bless you, God bless our beautiful country.”
Leader of the opposition in Ugandan Parliament Mathias Mpuuga said: “Fellow Countrymen, We have received and confirmed information of terror attack in two places in the City this morning! We extend sincere sympathies to victims and their families.”
Govt chief whip Thomas Tayebwa said: “Colleagues take note. I have a lot of trust in our security, whoever was behind today’s bombings will be apprehended. Insecurity is a non-partisan matter which all of us must unite to fight. Let us keep faith.”
Information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said: “Ugandans should not panic because of the cowardly acts of the terrorists who are throwing bombs in Kampala. Their intention is to cause scare in the population. Our Security and intelligence teams are doing everything to ensure normalcy but let’s all keep vigilant.”
Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake said: “Horrified by the twin blasts in Kampala today morning, including one that happened just next to Parliament. I send my condolences to families that have lost their loved ones in the blasts, and sympathise with those wounded. May God be with us and get us through these dark times.”
Diplomats also condemned the attacks
Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Adonia Ayebare said: “We will overcome. Terrorists cannot win. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones and quick and full recovery to those were hurt in the criminal attacks on our beautiful city Kampala.”
Former US ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac said: “Saddened to hear of the explosions in Kampala today. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the beautiful Pearl of Africa.”
Embassy of Belgium in Uganda said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of today’s bombings in Kampala and wish for the quick recovery of those injured. Belgium stands in solidarity with the people of Uganda during this difficult time.”