Security Personnel in Arua Warned Against Assaulting Pregnant Women

Security personnel in Arua have been warned against harassing pregnant women.

The Resident District Commissioner Arua Nahori Oya says that several guidelines have been misinterpreted by security personnel when enforcing the president and Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines. 

He says that his office has received several complaints against security officers who mistreat and assault pregnant women who are either carried on motorcycles or found walking to hospital without face masks.

// Cue in; If there is a pregnant.…

// Cue out; will face the law….

Oya’s warning comes a day after an eight months old pregnant woman Jenifer Bako from Onduparaka village was reportedly assaulted on Monday by a Local Defence Unit personnel for not wearing a mask. Bako was going to for antenatal services at Oli Health Centre IV.

Bako collapsed and rushed to Arua hospital by police where she was operated.

Lauben Ndifula the Uganda Peoples Defence Force Public Relations Officer for West Nile said they do not tolerate any acts of indiscipline by soldiers enforcing the guidelines on prevention of covid-19.  He says that the army and the police are hunting for the LDU who assaulted Bako.

“We are still tracing the LDU and we are going to ensure he faces justice for his actions,” said Ndifula.

While addressing the nation, President Museveni warned law enforcers, especially the local defence units, against assaulting and beating people they found out during curfew hours.

In April, sixteen security personnel were arrested on allegations of torture.  They were arrested from Elegu Town Council in Amuru district for brutalizing 38 people who allegedly defied the President's COVID-19 directives.