Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Martin Okoth Ochola has directed for the establishment of Coronavirus monitoring units across the country
IGP Ochola directives on Coronavirus: As cases of the deadly COVID-19 virus increase particularly in the neighbouring countries, like Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, Uganda is intensifying its prevention measures against the deadly virus.
Police, in this case, has joined the move, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Martin Okoth Ochola in the event directed for the establishment of Coronavirus monitoring units in all Police jurisdictions across the country especially along the borders to foil any attempt of some unscrupulous persons that are dogging screening at Entebbe International Airport and supporting measures to counter the deadly virus.
Addressing the Media yesterday on Monday 16th, March 2020, Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said many people that fear being quarantined at the Airport have preferred to enter the country via land and this is exposing the country to a possible outbreak.
“The Police under the instructions of the Inspector General of Police have stepped up vigilance on all its jurisdictions over the threats of the Coronavirus. You are all aware that although Uganda has no case of Coronavirus, as of Sunday Evening Police as an institution is focusing on how to fulfil its critical functions and mandates with greater levels of precautions and of course this is something that will get to upgrade or come up with advanced measures depending on the threat level of the Coronavirus,” Enanga said.
Enanga says Police has reinforced its presence on all border points to address and check entrants that are taking advantage of the porous borders because many traders in the country prefer using land to enter the country, for fear of being quarantined at the Airport.
“This is after we got intelligence that many travellers to Uganda including some of those foreigners who carry their trade or business within the country had gone on holiday or business were avoiding coming through Entebbe International Airport and you will find them going through the neighbouring countries South Sudan, Kenya and also Tanzania then they could find their way through un gazetted areas others will find their way through the gazetted areas but by road,” Enanga said.
Also, Enanga said Police is working with the Ministry of Health to train its specialized units that will be on standby to counter the deadly virus should any case be reported in the Police units.
“We also have the response team at our Police cell services that have been created that’s at Nsambya, that if at all there’s any case involving a Police officer or members of their family, they are in a position to respond quicker,” Enanga said.
Uganda and Burundi remain the only countries on the East African Coast that are yet to register COVID-19 case.
At least 30 countries across Africa have now reported cases of Coronavirus with the recently reported cases on Monday in Benin, Liberia, Somalia and Tanzania.
