---- — Reading Mr Nicholas Sengoba’s article in the Daily Monitor as well as some of the views expressed by certain individuals, one gets the feeling that terrorism is simply used by unpopular regimes to champions selfish interests. Knowing the fruits of terrorism, one would just wish that these individuals were right, which unfortunately is not the case.

Terrorist groups have limited authority while governments have sovereign authority and control national resources. Terrorist groups have neither legitimacy nor legality, while the government is legitimate. Whereas the terrorists have limited power, the state has significant power. Yet, while the terrorist groups have narrow methods and strategies to their disposal, the state has sufficient room to plan and lay strategies as well as decide what tools to employ against the threat.

Unfortunately, however, the environments (circumstances) favour the terrorists. Whereas the state is responsible for the security of an open and vulnerable society, the terrorists often have the initiative, since they choose the target, and time to strike.

While the terrorists simply form loose networks and coordinate their crimes successfully, the state must employ careful diplomacy to mobilise international sympathy and support. Needless to emphasise, the terrorists are governed by the fear of the leader and commitment to the so called cause. Compared to the state bureaucracy, some of whom are more obsessed with registering financial savings and therefore win accolades for being frugal, the terrorist group must carry out the leaders order, period.

It is against this balance sheet that one ought to study and understand the nature and causes of terrorism and so as to make not only an appropriate but also successful response. It is imperative to note therefore, that the state must not only respond to the symptoms of terrorism, but it is vital to respond to the causes as well. Thus, it is critical in counter terrorism to constrict the terrorists’ operating environment in a bid to stop them from carrying out their heinous attacks. It is essential to appreciate therefore; that this is a continuous battle which ought to be fought on all fronts and at all levels.
It will require a long haul strategy so as to address both the symptoms and the causes. Terrorism is a complex and diverse phenomenon, so the strategy must be multi- dimensional, addressing the symptoms and causes of terrorism at all levels. Resources in terms of people, money and equipment must be identified and mobilised.

It is also necessary to streamline the levels and lines of accountability as well as planning the priorities to be addressed with the meager resources available. The key to the counter-terrorism strategy is civil primacy, clear political aim, integrated approach, share intelligence and isolate the terrorist. The state must detect and prevent terrorist attacks. Which is a very enormous task. It must protect the citizens and their properties. It is evident therefore, that the counter-terrorism strategy must deal with all aspects of terrorism without threatening liberties and civil rights. What a paradox, since it must not undermine efficiency and inter-agency cooperation.

The state must thus prevent, pursue, protect, prepare for and communicate with the public about the terrorist threat. Preparation requires identifying potential risks and assessing their impact, building the necessary capabilities to respond to any attacks. This calls for continuous evaluation and testing national preparedness.

Effective counter terrorism campaign requires effective coordination within national government to produce a flexible cross-agency approach, an integrated and comprehensive strategy, efficient cooperation and coordination with allies. It must include a role for the private sector. Terrorism is a propaganda war, so the media has a very big role to play in the prevention efforts. This calls upon patriotism and nationalism when reporting about terrorists. The media helps to isolate those criminals.

Counter-terrorism measures will not only be arduous but a rather nudging inconvenience that the public may wish away, after all a terrorist is not physically “present”. One must emphasise that the terrorist never reasons about collateral damage and saving children and innocent civilians. In fact the more victims he gets, the better for his /her cause. We must recognise that terrorism is real.

Lt. Col. Kulayigye is the Defence / UPDF Spokesman