Covid-19 Fight: President Museveni Bans Group Drinking, Jogging

President Yoweri Museveni has made four additional directives in the fight against COVID-19.

Drinking alcohol in groups from homes has been banned and those found holding such parties will be charged with attempted.

In his address on Wednesday night, the President directed that in case of suspicion, the Police should obtain a quick search warrant from the relevant authorities before arresting the people found drinking in groups at homes.

Earlier, the President banned all gatherings of five or more people in a bid to ensure social distance.

The President said after banning of bars, people had resorted to gathering and drinking from homes, which he said is a setback in the fight against COVID-19.

He said this was one of the reasons the whites were experiencing catastrophic repercussions as a result of the virus attack.

Museveni also directed that bodabodas should stop moving at exactly 2pm.

He said, the bodabodas were one of the groups of people found to be flouting the curfew guideline and, therefore, should not be allowed movement beyond 2pm.

Also on the list was the ban on empty pick-up and double cabin trucks. The President said the decision to ban such empty vehicles was reached after the Inspector General of Police spent some time at the Police CCTV centre watching trends on roads.

After careful observation, it was concluded that empty pick-up trucks and double cabin vehicles be banned from moving.

However, this drew quick reactions from online followers.

“If the double-cabin trucks are going to pick cargo, will the drivers be arrested?” one follower asked.

The President also banned exercising in public places, including jogging on roads.

He said although exercising was a healthy move, people could still do it from their houses and compounds.

“These measures are not about convenience. Let us ‘vumilia’ and persevere for a short time,” the President said.

Uganda has so far registered 53 cases of COVID-19, with no single death.

Museveni praised Ugandans for adhering to the initial directives to fight the virus.