Crime
UPDF to provide Oxygen to Mulago Hospital, warns members of the public against ignoring presidential guidelines
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, UPDF have joined production of Oxygen as its demand increases due to the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.
While addressing the media in Kampala this morning, Brig Flavia Byekwaso the UPDF Spokesperson said that the production had started last year producing oxygen for Air force, but now they are producing extra, to help with the pandemic.
“Although production is already in progress, its availability to the public and other hospitals other than Mulago, shall be communicated in due course” Byekwaso says.
She explains that their oxygen is medical and rated at 99.9% in terms of quality.
Meanwhile, the UPDF spokesperson says institution regrets an incident that happened on 14th June 2021, at Mugusu traffic checkpoint manned by joint security teams, when Private Onguru Dennis of the 09 battalion attached to mountain guard battalion shot and killed a boda boda cyclist.
Atugonza John, a 28-year-old boda boda rider was reportedly shot dead when he tried to force his way through the roadblock and in the process knocked one Pt Onguru.
“When the Private got up, most probably with the intent to disable Atugonza from further escaping the, because he was trying to ride away, he shot to disable him from running away, wounded him. But unfortunately when Atugonza was taken to the hospital, he was shortly pronounced dead upon arrival at Buhinga” Byekwaso explained.
Pt Onguru is currently receiving treatment in Muhoti barracks Hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. She noted that UPDF condemns such shootings, explaining that there should be due process of law.
Brig Byekwaso however called upon the members of the general public to refrain from abusing the guidelines and provoking security personnel who are on duty.
“We caution security or soldiers to exercise maximum restraint and to always follow the necessary steps of shooting as the Commander in Chief has severally guided” She said.
She also noted that on June 14th 2021, soldiers in Wakiso fired a warning shot to scare away a group of rowdy youths who attacked and pelted stones at them.
The soldiers were conducting night patrol on Bukasa road. On the same night, a one Asuman attacked a night patrol in Kikandwa and attempted to disarm a soldier. He was arrested and taken to Kakiri police station for further management.
“I’m using this opportunity to sound a strong warning to perpetrators of such acts that punitive measures shall be taken against them. Soldiers under such threats will have no option but to defend themselves and this is very important” Brig Byekwaso warned.
