Kampala, Uganda | URN | More than 500 motorcycles were impounded on Wednesday 12, May 2021 night by security agencies enforcing curfew time in the Kampala Metropolitan area.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson said yesterday, about 500 more motorcycles were impounded because riders have continued to violate curfew which was imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The motorcycles impounded last night brings the total to 1,700, since over 1,200 were picked by the joint security team on the eve of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing in for the sixth elective term at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Mr Museveni on Wednesday 12, May 2021 swore in to serve until 2026 after he emerged winner of the January 14th presidential elections with 58 per cent while his closet rival Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine scored 35 per cent.
Ahead of Museveni’s swearing-in, tensions were high after placards threatening to disrupt the function were being thrown in towns and roadsides by anonymous people.
In addition, incidents of masked men moving on motorcycles throwing petrol bombs at government and private vehicles stuck in traffic jam became synonymous in Kampala and Wakiso district.
Security forces resolved to enforce the 6pm curfew for motorcycles and 9pm for drivers. As a result, military, police and Local Defence Units (LDUs) mounted spot roadblocks on all major roads in greater Kampala where 1,700 motorcycles have been impounded in two days.
“These operations will continue until riders and drivers respect the curfew time. It is not going to end today and we remind road users and other members of the public to respect Covid-19 guidelines,” Owoyesigyire said.
Owoyesigyire said no motorcycle has so far been released because owners have to pay express penalties.
Each motorcycle according to Owoyesigyire will pay an express penalty of 40,000 shillings while cars will pay 100,000 shillings which is payable to the bank or via mobile money.
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This means police will bag over 68 million shillings from the 1,700 motorcycles. Over 40 cars have also been impounded and their penalties will earn police over 4 million shillings.
The more than 50 people who were arrested for violating curfew time are yet to be taken to court as yesterday and today have been public holidays.
Meanwhile, security agencies deployed ahead of Museveni swearing-in are still manning the city.
Dozens of Field Force Unit officers and soldiers deployed at city square are still at their deployment station.
