Security Caution Politicians, general public ahead of President Museveni's COVID-19 address

The leadership of the Joint Security Agencies in Uganda has cautioned the public against disregard of government directives to prevent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which they say could present catastrophic consequences.

Security agencies say the caution was prompted by calls from selected politicians encouraging the public to disregard lockdown directives ahead of President Museveni’s nation address due this evening (Friday) at 8:00PM. They said they are ready to strictly enforce the lockdown rules whatsoever.

“The leadership of the Joint Security Agencies, has noted with serious concern calls selected politicians, encouraging the public to disregard the lockdown and re-open their businesses and activities.” The Uganda Police Force posted on Twitter this morning.

The Joint Security agencies comprising of Uganda Police, the Military (UPDF) and Uganda Prisons Service, urged the public to wait for the address of H.E. The President and follow the range of options that the government is looking to provide.

In another thread that seems pre-emptive of the president’s address, Security say lifting of the lockdown restrictions without a proper plan, means throwing away all protection, which is very dangerous and risky for the health and safety of Ugandans and visitors in the country.

Currently, expert and public opinion holds that as the 4-day lockdown expires tonight, Government of Uganda has not addressed critical issues that warrant safe lifting of the lockdown including mass testing and vaccination, bolstering capacity of health response measures and ensuring strict adherence to SOPs.

“We are all aware the pandemic has not disappeared and therefore, need to remain cautious and not lose out on the individual and collective gains we have all made in keeping ourselves and everyone else safe.” another thread in the same post reads.

“As the Joint Security Agencies, we continue to strictly enforce the lockdown measures and urge the public to strictly abide by the rules and in place” The posted message further adds.