On Monday evening, police and military personnel shut down the newly opened China Town Hypermarket in Lugogo due to a potential terrorist threat. The area was swiftly evacuated during the busy evening hours, with officers using megaphones to instruct shoppers to leave for their safety.
Signs were posted at the entrance, announcing the closure of the store. This action followed recent warnings from the American Embassy and the United Nations Mission about increased terrorist threats in Kampala, particularly as the anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches. These alerts have advised heightened caution in public spaces such as malls, schools, and popular tourist spots.
The heightened alert was confirmed by Uganda Police spokesperson Kituma Rusoke, who noted that such security measures are typical around this time of year. Rusoke reassured the public that while vigilance is crucial, there is no immediate cause for alarm.
The China Town Hypermarket, which recently opened in the former Shoprite location in Lugogo, offers a range of products including electronics, fabrics, kitchenware, sports equipment, furniture, and crockery, often at significantly discounted prices. The store’s attractively low prices have drawn large crowds, with many shoppers arriving early to take advantage of the deals.
Mr. Dumel Akwarger, the store’s head of marketing, noted that social media influencers have inadvertently boosted store traffic by posting about their visits. He mentioned that the store had not sponsored these influencers but had benefited from the resulting increase in customer visits.
Despite the store’s closure, many shoppers were seen queuing and window shopping, eager to explore the hypermarket’s offerings once it reopens.