KAMPALA
By Halima Athumani
The U.S. embassy in Kampala on Monday thanked Ugandan authorities for foiling a recent terrorist plot.
"Ambassador Scott DeLisi congratulates President [Yoweri] Museveni and expresses the United States' gratitude for the successful disruption of an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack," the U.S. diplomatic mission wrote on its official Facebook page.
"The work of the Ugandan security agencies certainly saved lives and led to the arrest of several suspected terrorists," it added.
"The U.S. embassy deeply appreciates Uganda's continued commitment to our strong partnership in the pursuit of regional peace and security," it added.
Ugandan security agencies foiled a terrorist plot on Saturday, arresting several suspects thought to be linked to Somalia's Al-Shabaab militant group.
Police said explosive materials – meant for use in the planned attack – had been found in the suspects' possession.
Hours before the news of the arrests, the U.S. embassy in Kampala advised all American citizens to stay home or proceed to a safe location, citing a possible terror threat.
Police have beefed up security around diplomatic missions and key installations across the country.
Security has also been stepped up in and around hotels, tourist sites, shopping malls, supermarkets and places of worship.
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