Ochola Calls for Strict Adherence to SOPs in Christmas Message

IGP Martin Okoth Ochola pens down Christmas message for Ugandans calls for strict adherence to SOPs.

With Christmas only hours away, Martin Okoth Ochola the Inspector General of Police has urged Ugandans in his message to remain compliant to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) imposed earlier to curb the spread of the virus.

Ochola made the remarks in a letter dated 23rd December 2020. He said that as people prepare to celebrate their festive days, they should be mindful that the coronavirus is still fast-spreading countrywide. 

The IGP who reminded that the virus is not segregative to anyone noted that many people have displayed complacency in adhering to the health guidelines.

“As we enter the festive season, we all need to reflect on the incredible journey each one of us has made this year. A year that was extremely challenging, particularly with the threat of Covid-19 and its significant impact on society,” the IGP noted.

“The situation is even more worrisome now that the vaccine is still months away, and yet many members of the public are complacent and not adhering to the health SOPs of facial covering, proper hygiene and social distancing,” he added calling on the general public to remain urgent amidst all the Christmas celebrations and fun.

“All Ugandans must know that regardless of who you are, crime and Covid-19 affect us all. We therefore, need to be mindful of Covid-19 by celebrating in very safe and socially distanced ways to help protect our families, friends and all those who are dear to us.”

Ochola also, raised the issue of criminals who he said to have in recent years taken advantage of festive days to victimize others through acts of thefts, robbery, house breaking, fraud, and cybercrime among others.

On these, he said that as they have always done, the police has been deployed to help crack down any form of criminal acts that might arise during this festive period.

“As you are aware, this festive season is embedded within an electoral period for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government positions. Despite our policing efforts, the political campaigns faced some threats and vulnerabilities that included; acts of civil disobedience such as riots and violent protests, defiant campaigns, provocations of security forces into violent confrontations, intimidations and minor criminal activities, looting, vandalism, and pick pocketing.”

“Despite all these challenges, as the police and sister security agencies, we are grateful to the strategic plans and multi-agency tactical responses which enabled us to deal with those challenges. We deployed visible and non-visible resources that helped crack down the perpetrators of these violent crimes,” Ochola added. 

He further called on Ugandans to remain disciplined like they have been all year in celebrating other special days of the year including Easter, IDD among others.

“As a country, we have celebrated several religious festivals like IDD, Easter, Uganda Martyrs and public events like Independence Day, in very safe and healthy settings. We can still do so during this Christmas season without losing the much appreciation to each other.”

Meanwhile, the IGP applauded all those that have made the year a success including the frontline health workers who have put in their very best in treating the COVID-19 patients.

Ochola noted that they have played a major role despite many hospitals countrywide being already overwhelmed by the increasing cases.

“We would like to further show appreciation to all other frontline workers and emergency workers actively involved in the fight against Covid-19,” Ochola noted before sending his Christmas wishes to all Ugandans.

“Once again I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, peaceful and healthy, Christmas and happy New Year, 2021, full of aspirations and new resolutions. We look forward to strengthening further our level of cooperation with partner agencies and the public to keep our country among the safest places.”