The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Police Director for Operations Edward Ochom, has warned police commanders against selectively charging suspects arrested for flouting Covid-19 guidelines.
Ochom in his latest internal memo says that they have noticed an increase in complaints raised by members of the public about being asked to pay money for their freedom. He adds that only those who can’t afford to raise money asked by commanders are processed and arraigned in courts of law.
Police add that even riders and drivers arrested for riding or driving past curfew time are selectively issued with Express Penalty Schemes- EPS. According to Ochom, there is extortion and exchange of money between defaulters and officers.
“This allegation is partly given credence by few persons taken to court or issued with EPS vis-à-vis the arrested,” Ochom states.
According to police statistics, the police have been arresting on average 1,500 people, impounding over 2,000 motorcycles and at least 500 cars per week.
However, the same figures show that few people have been charged as the majority are often released under the disguise of caution. For instance, 2,336 people were arrested over flouting Covid-19 orders between July 26 and August 2nd but only 430 persons were taken to court.
A week earlier, 2,180 persons were arrested countrywide for flouting the lockdown and curfew provisions but 1,280 were cautioned, six hundred twelve were taken to court while 215 were released on police bond.
In the second week of July, at least 1,425 Covid-19 defaulters were arrested but only 320 were charged in court. Ochom reminds police commanders and their juniors that gaps in enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures –SOPs could lead to escalation of the pandemic and water down registered gains.
“The unimpressive returns being received and intel reports of extortion won’t be tolerated. RPCs are hereby reminded and directed that supervision or enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines rests squarely with you,” Ochom adds.
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