Teargas, Canes Rock Kabale as Security Implements Lockdown

Hundreds of shops were on Tuesday closed, several vehicles impounded as security forces swung into action to implement President Yoweri Museveni’s ban on vehicular movement to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Commanded by the Kabale District Police Commander Brian Ampaire, all non-food shops, businessmen operating within shopping malls, arcades, hardware shops were told to close.

Police combs the streets of Kabale for adamant business people

The operation later started gathering masses watching the closure of businesses, which police in turn dispersed with teargas.

Under President Museveni’s new measures, gatherings of more than 5 people are no longer allowed, except for church weddings.

Kabale DPC Brian Ampaire

Ampeire said security had no option but to discipline stubborn residents who were not heeding to directives of the president.

Emmanuel Twebaze, the proprietor of Healing Medical Center Kabale speaking to our reporter on the banning of private cars said it was a necessary preventive measure.

Police used teargas to disperse the crowds

According to Twebaze, those infected in Kampala could travel by private means to upcountry thus transporting the virus to different parts of the country.

However, Mr. Simon Mashemererwa, a prominent businessman in Kabale town accused security forces of closing all shops belonging to Ugandans, leaving those owned by Indians open.

A man holds his arms out to avoid arrest

Uganda has registered 44 coronavirus cases and no deaths.