The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued an advisory outlining key security concerns during the festive season.
In the advisory shared on Monday, December 16, the Ministry emphasized the importance of public vigilance as criminal activity tends to surge during this period.
The Ministry has warned about increased incidents of petty offences such as pickpocketing and muggings, particularly in crowded places like markets, shopping malls, and public transport hubs.
Additionally, authorities have noted a rise in drug distribution and the production of illicit alcoholic brews, which remain a significant concern during the holidays.
Home burglaries are another growing threat, especially as families travel upcountry and leave their homes unattended.
Read More
The Ministry highlighted an increase in car break-ins ahead of the Christmas season.
The advisory also raises alarms over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including children and victims of gender-based violence.
Further, the Ministry of Interior noted that traffic violations have become a major concern during the holidays, with reports of reckless road behavior such as drunk driving, speeding, and vehicle overloading.
Another issue flagged is noise violations, which tend to increase during the festive period due to celebrations and public gatherings.
The Ministry has described these cases as a public nuisance requiring effective regulation.
On the other hand, counterfeit goods and cybercrime also feature prominently in the advisory, with many unsuspecting buyers falling victim to fake products and online scams disguised as holiday promotions.
Finally, the Ministry highlighted the ongoing security concerns in border counties, where terrorism remains a significant threat.
This comes a week after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced plans to conduct joint crackdowns on the roads in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) during the festive season
In a statement on Thursday, December 5, Kanja also mentioned that the police will be working with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to tame corruption on the roads.
He, therefore, called on motorists to observe traffic rules during the festive season while cooperating with the officers deployed on the roads.
"We call upon all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic regulations and rules by avoiding operating unroadworthy motor vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and careless driving," read the statement.
