KAMPALA – The army has threatened to arrest “rogue security elements” breaking into people homes’ and beating them up while masquerading as security personnel enforcing the curfew.
“It has come to the attention of the Joint Security Forces that rogue elements are breaking into people’s homes and beating them up while masquerading as security personnel enforcing the curfew. Those being tempted to do so must stop forthwith before they are arrested,” Defence and army spokesperson, Brig-Gen Richard Karemire said in a statement on Friday, April 3.
He added that GISOs and reservists, among other security agencies have not been enlisted in the enforcement of the curfew.
Brig Karemire said that the role of enforcing the curfew in Kampala metropolitan area (Kampala, Mukono, Mpigi and Wakiso districts) lies with the police, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Local Defence Units (LDU).
This was after photos and videos showing LDUs and other security personnel battering people in their homes were widely shared in the media.
Mr Karemire, however, said the security forces on duty have been briefed not to enter people’s homes and compounds purporting to be enforcing the curfew.
“Enforcement is only limited to restriction of movement beyond home during curfew time,” he said before warning civilians against attacking security Forces on duty.
There have been reports of some indisciplined people pelting stones at Forces on patrol. This must stop and anyone doing it will be promptly apprehended. This pandemic poses an existential threat. There is no alternative to total compliance with all directives and guidance from the government,” he said.
