Security in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital City and it’s environs has been beefed up ahead of President Museveni’s nation address on the COVI-D 19 situation due tomorrow -Friday.
Armed Joint forces of Uganda Police and Military Police were seen combing the streets on Thursday morning as the country awaits the presidential address as the 42-day government imposed lockdown to curb COVID spread nears expiry.
In what can be presumed as rare operations, more security personnel backed up by Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and police patrol vehicles, were seen forcing people off the streets and restricting entry at checkpoints spread across the city.
However, numbers of people and vehicles accessing the city center continue to grow with individuals beating security at checkpoints as traders crave to access their workplaces.
Pending expiry of the lockdown he announced on June 18th, the president is expected to guide on way forward amid criticism from a section of Ugandans, that little has been done by government to address critical issues related to the lockdown which has adversely affected majority of citizens.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, these are normal operations to enforce Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) in prevention of COVID-19 spread.
On Wednesday some traders, boda-boda riders and taxi drivers, had issued threats to resume business immediately after expiry of the lockdown period on Friday following announcement that the president’s address was to be made on Saturday.
However, according to Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja, President Museveni’s address has been re-scheduled to Friday 30th July,2021 at 8:00Pm and it will be broadcast on all media platforms.