On 17 October 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Regional Security Office is monitoring increased terrorist activity within the region. As reported in media outlets, recent events include the Uganda Police Force (UPF) foiling a planned bomb attack on churches by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Kampala; suspected ADF elements ambushing and igniting a commercial vehicle headed to a DRC border crossing point; Al-Qaeda releasing a statement calling for Muslims around the world to target Jewish people, US military bases, airports, and embassies in Muslim countries; and Ugandan security authorities intercepting explosives smuggled across the border with Tanzania.
“Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Kampala and elsewhere in Uganda continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct attacks. Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting places of worship, hotels, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, transportation hubs, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.”
