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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least 250 people spent Monday night in various police cells in Kampala Metropolitan areas for violating the nighttime curfew regulations.
The Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, says the suspects were picked up in joint security operations involving police, the military and local defence units on various city roads starting from 7 pm.
According to Owoyesigyire, the officers mounted roadblocks on major access routes, which led to the arrest of over 250 riders, drivers and pedestrians for flouting the curfew.
He says that they also impounded 712 motorcycles and 147 vehicles. Unlike the previous operations where only vehicles could be impounded, security resolved to arrest the drivers and riders.
He revealed that the suspects will be released on police bond but vehicles and motorcycles will be issued with express penalty tickets.
“The suspects are currently detained at our different police stations where they will later on be released on police bond and issued with express penalty tickets, which they will have to pay first for their vehicles and motorcycles to be released,” Owoyesigyire noted.
According to Owoyesigyire, the operations will not stop and advises people to move early enough to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law.
Sula Lubega, a boda boda rider and resident of Kazo-Angola in Kawempe division escaped arrest but his motorcycle was impounded at Wandegeya traffic lights.
He explains that police mounted roadblocks at around 5:30 pm before the stipulated curfew time with the aim of arresting people.
He asks the police to stop treating them as if there are not humans.
Kamya Masuwudi, the chairperson of Boda-boda century in Kawempe division has called for police engagements with boda boda riders to sensitize them on what the government wants and listen to their concerns.
While easing the second lockdown on September 22, 2021, President Museveni maintained curfew time between 6:00 pm for boda-boda riders and 7:00 pm for all pedestrians and vehicles.
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