Health Ministry van impounded with 25 people on board

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Kireka have impounded a van belonging to the Health Ministry for violating the social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The van that was ferrying 25 health workers to Naguru General Hospital from Kireka was intercepted by traffic police who ordered the occupants to board off.

According to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines issued by President Yoweri Museveni, each vehicle is expected to carry three travelers to ensure they observe the recommended social distancing guidelines.

Addressing journalists at Uganda Media Center on Thursday afternoon, the Internal Affairs State Minister, Mario Obiga Kania, said all vehicles that defy the presidential directives should be impounded and  drivers be punished.

He says that even essential company vehicles that were allowed to move should follow the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry on spacing.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango confirmed the impounding of the Health Ministry vehicle but declined to explain whether they will charge the driver and health workers, saying he was yet to be briefed.

President, Museveni banned both private and public transport after earlier restrictions requiring vehicles to carry only three travelers were ignored as some people started using their vehicles to provide public transport services.

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