The army has cautioned rogue elements against breaking into people’s homes in a bid to enforce the night curfew as directed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The countrywide curfew is one of the measures undertaken to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in which 45 Ugandans have so far tested positive.
The dreaded infection continues to rattle the world.
UPDF spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire has said that it has come to the attention of the Joint Security Forces that rogue elements are breaking into people’s homes and beating them up while masquerading as security personnel enforcing the curfew.
“This is now to inform the public that the role of enforcing the curfew lies with the Uganda Police Force (UPF) supported by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Local Defence Units (LDUs) in Kampala Metropolitan area covering Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts,” he said.
No other elements such as Reservists, GISOs etc. have been enlisted in this important National task.
“Those being tempted to do so MUST stop forthwith before they are arrested. Security forces on duty have been briefed not to enter people’s homes and compounds purporting to be enforcing the curfew. Enforcement is only limited to restriction of movement beyond home during curfew time, that is 7:00Pm- 6:30 Am.”
UPDF also warns some sections of the public against attacking Security Forces on duty.
There have been reports of some undisciplined people pelting stones at Forces on patrol.
“This must also stop and anyone doing it will be promptly apprehended. This pandemic poses an existential threat. There is no alternative to total compliance with all directives and guidance from Government,” Karemire added.