As you are all aware, on the 22.09.2021, H.E. The President and the Ministry of Health, further eased restrictions on additional sectors. The restrictions were relaxed on places of worship, weddings and funerals that were permitted to allow strictly up to 200 people only, in addition to observing the Health SOPs. In addition, weekly markets specifically, in non-hotspot transmission areas, casinos, gaming, betting shops, and gyms etc were also permitted to operate. This comes as a huge relief to the workers and businesses, who will now try to get back on track.
Although the easing of restrictions came with terms and conditions, on capacity limit and strict adherence to the health SOPs, several reports do indicate acts of continuous blatant disregard for the conditions set. For instance, 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 6pm 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 behaviours, 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.
For those that are sceptical about vaccination should know that COVID-19 is a killer and very devastating. We urge all eligible people to get vaccinated, due to the better protection it offers against the virus.
The leadership of the Joint Security Agencies is still very committed to the stability and safety of Ugandans. As a result, all our 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 stake holders in the transport sector, business communities, KCCA, URA, the National Lottery and Gaming Board, to streamline all our enforcement operations.
CP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
27th September 2021
