Observe curfew time religiously, UPDF warns Ugandans to stop moving on boda bodas in the name of carrying cargo
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued a strong warning to a particular section of the general public that has made it a daily habit to ride boda bodas to reach their destinations in the name of carrying cargo.
According to UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire all those involved in such acts (using boda bodas) are doing it illegally and in disrespect of the President’s directive.
As a result, Brig. Karemire said that anyone caught engaging in such an act will be arrested and charged before the law.
Karemire who was addressing the joint security task force press briefing on Tuesday 7th called on all Ugandans to be very adhering to all government directives like staying home and social distancing in a bid to mitigate the spread of the virus.
He advised Ugandans to reduce their unnecessary movements because they obstruct security forces from doing their works effectively.
“Observe curfew time religiously. Stop unnecessary movements and observe the social distance. Stop obstructing security forces from doing their work,” Brig. Karemire said.
Brig. Karemire further warned that they (security operatives) are very prepared to deal with all those who have adamantly refused to comply.
“Don’t enter into situations that will bring you into conflict with security forces. Don’t move on boda bodas,” he added.
Brig. Karemire’s warning comes at a time when images have been circulating all over social media of how people have gone against the President’s directives on COVID-19 fight like a ban on public transport.
Following the outbreak of coronavirus in the county, President Museveni came up with particular orders to help in mitigating it’s spread. Among others, he put a ban on all public transport including boda bodas, introduced a curfew and called on people to stay home.
However, on daily many people are seen jogging and walking on the streets, others riding bicycles from one place to another. For the issue of boda bodas and personal vehicles, many owners are still driving them and carrying passengers in hidden suburb areas across Kampala.
This, according to Brig. Karemire is not good because it puts the work of trying to fight the virus all in vain. After all, the government is trying to ensure that the public observed social distancing to avoid virus spread.
As of today, Uganda is still on 52 cases as the deadly coronavirus first developed in Wuhan, China continues to strike millions of lives globally.
With the country even more than determined to see that the virus does not spread, President Museveni during his last speech to the nation said that he was optimistic the country is in position to fight the pandemic as it did with Ebola.
He said then that unlike Ebola, Coronavirus only spreads through the soft parts of the face including the nose, mouth and eyes something that can be avoided if all people are responsible enough and put health measures like washing their hands with soap into proper action.
Meanwhile, President Museveni will once again address the country today at 8 pm on the way forward in the fight against COVID-19.
