Police in Kabale accuse leaders of frustrating enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines

Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security officers in Kabale district are accusing a section of leaders for frustrating enforcement of Covid-19 preventive guidelines.

The officers argue that they are facing difficulties whenever violators of the curfew are arrested but leaders order for their immediate release. They also add that some leaders own bars and protect the revelers from being arrested.

Henry Kisembo, the Kabale District Police Field Force Unit (FFU) commander says that whenever police officers storm bars to conduct arrests, the leaders instead react harshly and order the officers to withdraw.

George William Okell, the officer-in-charge of Kabale University police station says that after arresting some of the suspects violating Covid-19 preventive guidelines, they receive phone calls from some political leaders with orders to release the suspects.

Okello cites an example when he recently arrested a person at 2:00 am for violating curfew hours but he received orders from about five top leaders in the district threatening to sack him if he does not release the suspect.

Okello wants political leaders to walk the talk if the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is to be a success in Kabale.

Moses Enyo, officer-in-charge of Katuna border police station says that he is surprised that some leaders who own and operate bars condemn the security personnel for obtaining bribes.

Kabale District Operation Wealth Creation coordinator Lt Col Charles Tebarura who is also a member of Kabale District Covid-19 taskforce says that many security personnel are losing morale in the enforcement of the guidelines due to the action of the leaders.

Alfred Besigensi, Kabale District Health Officer says that security personnel have come under criticism for selective enforcement of guidelines due to the actions of the district leaders.

Nelson Nshangabasheija, the Kabale District LCV Chairperson regrets the accusations against the leaders. He says that all leaders should put in collective efforts in the fight against Covid-19 but not sabotage security personnel who are enforcing the guidelines.

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