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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Police Force has sounded a warning that members of the public who will fail to adhere to the set of guidelines by President Museveni will risk facing dire consequences this time.
Addressing journalists, police spokesperson Fred Enanga said commanders have been directed by the Inspector General of Police-IGP to start implementing the directives to help to curb the spread of the virus with immediate effect.
On Sunday, President Museveni announced several measures including temporary closure of schools, suspension of religious gatherings and transport of persons between districts for at least 42 days.
Enanga notes that all territorial police commanders have been directed to ensure they map out all business activities and be monitored in their respective areas to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines during the 42 days of lockdown.
“We shall take on the reckless Ugandans who are not adhering to the standard operating procedures,” said Enanga. “As we wait for the standing order from the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, we shall continue using the old system of the Express Penalty System and fines in courts as we have been doing to offenders.”
According to Enanga, the police is going to be stricter this time while enforcing the guidelines, warning members of the public that they risk facing dire consequences for failure to adhere to the SOPs.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni acting on advice from the ministry of health last year declared a 6 pm and 9 pm curfew for motorcyclists and drivers respectively.
“We are going to be tough on boda boda riders who move past the 6 pm stipulated time and those who take more than one passenger,” Enanga added. “There will be tougher sanctions against passengers who allow being carried in excess.”
Meanwhile over the weekend, at least 1,100 people were arrested in bars and other entertainment places in total contravention of the Ministry of Health guidelines against the spread of coronavirus. Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said that last night operations were aimed at raiding bars that have been working in total disregard of the Ministry of Health guidelines.
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