The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police have so far collected 146.5 Million Shillings as fine from cyclists and motorists defying the presidential directives intended to control the spread of Covid-19.
Records compiled at police headquarters show that by Monday, riders of the 2,430 out of 2,762 motorcycles impounded last week had paid 40,000 shillings each to get back their motorcycles. This totals to 97.2 million shillings.
The statistics also indicate that drivers of the 493 out of 600 impounded cars had already paid express penalties of 100,000 shillings totaling 49.3 million shillings. The total amount of money paid by riders and drivers last week totaled 146.5 million shillings.
Two weeks ago, President Museveni banned the inter-district movement in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. However, several drivers particularly taxi drivers and riders attempted to ferry passengers from one district to another using access routes but ended up being apprehended by the police.
The Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said the public should expect tougher action against all riders, drivers and everyone who has continued to blatantly and deliberately flout the new lockdown regulations.
Enanga said the time for pleading with people to respect Covid-19 guidelines and directives has stopped.
“All along we have been pleading with the public to follow SOPs, but now we have reached a stage where the endless reminders must stop in exchange for stricter enforcement. For emphasis, all our frontline officers have been given guidelines to follow at checkpoints and how to verify the bar codes or all stickers issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport,” Enanga said.
Uganda Radio Network understands that all the 3,655 motorcycles impounded between June 6 and 13th have paid the 40,000 shillings each thus earning the government 146.2 million shillings whereas the 376 cars have also been handed back to owners after paying 100,000 express fines each totaling 37.6 million shillings. This means 183.8 million shillings was collected in a space of seven days.
“In the beginning, taxi operators on both sides of the district were ferrying people to the border crossing points, where passengers could walk on foot and cross into the neighbouring district, then board to the KMP area,” Enanga said.
Breach of inter-district according to police was common in areas of Lugazi – Mukono, Njeru-Jinja, Kyotera- Masaka, Ibanda-Mbarara, Mpigi – Kampala, Wakiso – Luweero and Kakerenge centre. Enanga reminds non-essential drivers not to be tempted to be on roads because their vehicles will be impounded and subjected to fines.
Police sources said commanders have been forced to give drivers and riders express tickets after Police Operations director, AIGP Edward Ochom ordered for a probe on how impounded cars and motorcycles were being returned to owners without paying fines.
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