The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security in Kitgum district has launched a crackdown against owners of pick-up trucks and cargo vehicles violating the restrictions instituted to curb the further spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Kitgum Resident District Commissioner, William Komakech says the move follows reports that some cargo trucks and pickups have evolved into passenger service vehicles. While announcing the second lockdown, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni banned both private and public transport with the exception of cargo trucks and pickups.
He however said the cargo trucks and pickups would only be allowed to carry two people, the driver inclusive. Nevertheless, Komakech says that some people have abused the privilege given to them to operate and resorted to using their pickups and cargo vehicles to illegally transport passengers into and out of the district.
Godfrey Toolit, the Kitgum Central Division LC 3 chairperson has commended the intervention by security, saying that apart from contravening the restrictions, the vehicle owners were charging travelers exorbitant fees.
He says that the illegal transport operators have also devised means of eluding security checkpoints by using alternative routes or at times compelling their passengers to foot, as they approach security roadblocks.
David Aisu, the Kitgum District Internal Security Officer disagrees with the claims that the travelers are using alternative routes and faults the personnel operating the security checkpoints for pocketing bribes from the vehicle owners.
Aisu has warned cargo vehicle owners against operating in disregard of the presidential directives, saying they risk being arrested and their trucks being impounded.
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