Police warn places of worship, gaming/betting houses against disregarding Presidential directives on COVID-19

The Police have warned institutions that are disregarding the new COVID-19 restrictions announced by H.E Museveni to stop, or face consequences.

While announcing the restrictions last week, the President added terms and conditions, on the capacity limit and strict adherence to the health SOPs. However, police spokesperson Fred Enanga says that several reports do indicate acts of continuous blatant disregard for the conditions set.

Speaking to the press at Naguru on Monday morning, Enanga noted that many places of worship disregarded the capacity limit of 200 congregants, some Reverends, Preachers, Choir and church members, had no masks; betting and gaming houses were crowded; some bodabodas are now carrying two or more passengers, other riders were not observing the 6 pm timing; motorists and pedestrians were also not observing the curfew timings, bars both local and registered, were openly operating; taxis and buses were not observing the 70% seating capacity. 

“Generally, there is massive disregard for physical distancing. Such behaviors may affect the roadmap towards the full re-opening of the economy, at the end of December 2021. The virus is still here, especially in the hotspot areas of Kampala, Kalungu, Kabale, Kumi, Soroti, Tororo, Gulu, Nwoya and Yumbe. We must all be aware that we cannot return to normal lives without sacrifice.  If we follow the basic rules by December, some of the restrictions may not be necessary. Let us be careful, extra alert and law-abiding” Enanga says.

He added that those that are skeptical about vaccination should know that COVID-19 is a killer and very devastating. He further urged all eligible people to get vaccinated, due to the better protection it offers against the virus.

Enanga added that the leadership of the Joint Security Agencies is still very committed to the stability and safety of Ugandans and as a result, all territorial commanders have been tasked to re-intensify the enforcement of the health SOPS, against all COVID-19 offenders and defaulters. We are engaging the other stakeholders in the transport sector, business communities, KCCA, URA, the National Lottery, and Gaming Board, to streamline all our enforcement operations.