By Fred Kiva
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (updf) has airlifted to Bombo General Military Hospital Pte Alex Niwanyine, an officer who was last week violently attacked by a civilian leading to loss of his eye.
Pte Niwanyine was attacked from Bibia in Amuru district at about 8: 30pm as he ordered residents to close shops in respect of the night curfew recently imposed by President Yoweri Museveni as one of the measures to stem the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) The soldier has since been admitted at Gulu Hospital. This afternoon (Monday) UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire announced that the victim had been transferred to Bombo Hospital for further medical attention.
“Pte Alex Niwanyine who was attacked in Bibia while enforcing measures to prevent covid19, has been evacuated to Bombo General Military Hospital for further attention. We wish well our comrade,” Brig Karemire tweeted. He earlier warned against growing attacks on security forces, saying culprits would 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. “Don’t put your fingers in fire because you will get burnt by doing these silly things,” he added.
The Defence spokesperson maintains however, “The struggle to keep our people and country safe continues.” The suspect in the attack identified as Stephen Olibia has been arrested and detained by police in Amuru.
The security forces including 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.
Presidential Address
The Amuru incident comes prior to the Presidential address tomorrow (Tuesday). In his past addresses, the president has sternly warned the security personnel against manhandling civilians during enforcement of the night curfew. President Museveni is expected to address the country on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Don Wanyama, the Senior Presidential Press Secretary, Museveni will address the country at Midday. He will make pronouncement on the fate of the current lockdown, which expires on Tuesday at midnight. “Just to guide, the current lockdown runs until tomorrow (Tuesday) midnight. You will therefore wait for President Museveni to guide on the way forward at midday,” Wanyama tweeted.
