Two days after Uganda Health Ministry confirmed the first (and only) Coronavirus (Covid-19) case in the country, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Martin Okoth Ochola has ordered district, division and station commanders to release all suspects with minor offences.
Speaking during the weekly Police briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga revealed that the directive from the IGP is intended to reduce congestion in Police cells that might put suspects at risk of contracting Coronavirus.
Enanga also said that since court was suspended, they cannot hold all suspects up to the elapsing of the 32 days that were directed by President Yoweri Museveni. However, Enanga did not explain the kinds of crimes that are in the category of ‘minor crimes.’
Last week on Thursday, Chief Justice Bart Katureebe suspended all proceedings in Ugandan courts for a period of one month over the Coronavirus pandemic.
He said that during that period, prisoners and those on remand will not be presented to court and where possible, proceedings may be conducted using video link.
Yesterday at midnight, Entebbe International Airport was closed and left empty following President Museveni’s directive of banning all passenger travels.