Ochom said he has instructed the commander Alert Squad Unit to make impromptu visits to areas under the command of particular officers and apprehend whoever will be found not enforcing the Standard Operating Procedures - SOPs.
The Police's Director of Operations Services, Edward Osiru Ochom,
has ordered the arrest of all commanders for not enforcing the Covid-19
guidelines.
Ochom said he has instructed the commander Alert Squad Unit to make impromptu
visits to areas under the command of particular officers and apprehend whoever
will be found not enforcing the Standard Operating Procedures - SOPs.
Ochom said a meeting has been held at police headquarters where it has been
resolved that to curtail the spread of Covid-19, commanders need to be strict
on ensuring Covid19 directives are implemented.
"We have resolved that our Alert Squad commander and his team make spontaneous
visits and arrest all commanders who have become reluctant to enforce Covid-19
guidelines. All errant commanders must be arrested," Ochola said.
//cue in “but I don’t…
Cue out “…the other”//
Ochom's directives to arrest police commanders comes at the time when
the force is mourning the death of Kira Road police commander, Matthias
Turyasingura, who succumbed to Covid19 on Tuesday night.
Turyasingura who was buried yesterday in Kigezi sub-region reportedly
contracted Covid-19 during the swearing of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He
later took himself to Mulago hospital with breathing difficulties until he was
pronounced dead. Turyasingura had been vaccinated against Covid-19 a
month back.
Ochom said wireless transmissions have been sent to commanders at
all levels to ensure Covid-19 orders are implemented without fail. Police have
been directed to ensure no Boda-bodas and vehicles are on roads after 6 pm and
9 pm respectively. Pedestrians, riders, drivers and passengers not wearing masks
according to the new orders must be stopped from proceeding with their
journeys.
"Discipline is important if we're to fight Covid-19. Everybody must
respect Covid-19 guidelines. If people are found not respecting these
guidelines, the commanders will be answerable. No excuse must be given. If it
is curfew time, arrest all the cars and drivers, park them in the nearby
playground," Ochom said.
Taxi and drivers violating Covid19 guidelines have also been
warned. Police said any driver of a public service vehicle defying
Covid19 guidelines including passengers will be arrested.
Motorcycles carrying passengers without masks regardless of the
time of the day will be impounded and passengers arrest.
Joseph Kato is currently a Master's candidate at Makerere University. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from Kampala International University, a Diploma in Journalism and he's also a graduate in Guidance and Counseling.
