National Security Taskforce Warns Masqueraders Enforcing Curfew

By Fred Kiva

The Joint Security Taskforce has warned “rogue elements” committing criminal acts masquerading as security personnel enforcing the night curfew recently imposed by President Yoweri Museveni.

The Joint Security Taskforce spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire says “It has come to the attention of the Joint Security Forces that rogue elements are breaking into people’s homes and beating them up while masquerading as security personnel enforcing the curfew.”

“Those being tempted to do so must stop forthwith before they are arrested,” Brig Karemire warned adding that the security forces on duty have been briefed not to enter people’s homes and compounds purporting to be enforcing the curfew. He explained that enforcement is only limited to the restriction of movement beyond home during curfew time (7pm-6:30am).

Brig Karemire clarified that the role of enforcing the curfew only lies with the Police, supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Local Defence Units (LDUs) in Kampala Metropolitan Area (Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts) “No other elements such as reservists, GISOs etc, have been enlisted in this important National task,” he said.

The statement follows reports of people being severely flogged by alleged security forces enforcing the curfew. The 14 day night curfew was imposed by President Yoweri Museveni on March 31, as one of the measures to curtail movement and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Brigadier Karemire has also warned members of the public against attacking security forces on duty. There have been reports from Masaka and other areas that people were pelting stones at members of the security forces on patrol. “This must also stop and anyone doing it will be promptly apprehended,” Brig. Karemire warned.