By Fred Kiva
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (updf) has warned against attacks on security forces, as one of its own loses eye after attack by a civilian during enforcement of the Presidential directives on Covid-19.
The victim, RA/236807 Pte Alex Niwanyine of 71st Battalion, lost an eye during an attack by a civilian in Bibia Amuru district as he asked residents to close their shops at about 8: 30pm. The soldier, an escort to Amuru Resident District Commissioner is now admitted at Gulu Hospital.
“He lost his eye when violently attacked in Bibia as he enforced directives to prevent covid-19. Such incidents emerging including pelting stones at security forces must stop,” UPDF Spokesman, Brigadier Richard Karemire posted on his official twitter handle on Easter Sunday.
Brigadier Karemire cautioned anyone attacking the security forces saying they will face it rough. “We have continued to register incidents of people pelting stones at forces on patrol. These have occurred in the districts of Kabale, Rukiga and Isingiro in Western Uganda,”he said on Friday during a security briefing at Uganda Media Centre. The army spokesperson warned civilians against obstructing security forces on duty, “don’t put your fingers in fire because you will get burnt by doing these silly things.”
Meanwhile, the suspect identified as Stephen Olibia has been arrested and detained by police in Amuru.
The security forces; that’s the UPDF, Police and the Local Defence Units (LDUs) have since last month been deployed to enforce measures against the spread of coronavirus, as imposed by President Yoweri Museveni. Some of the measures being enforced include; a night curfew and a partial lockdown among many others.
Uganda is currently battling the deadly coronavirus, a global pandemic that has killed over 100,000 people and infected over 1.8million others world over. Unlike in other countries, Uganda is registering some good progress, as so far 18 of the 54 patients registered, have cured and three of them discharged. No coronavirus related death has been recorded in Uganda as of now.
