A Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, has lost an eye while enforcing President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on curfew aimed to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
The soldier identified as RA/236807 Pte Alex Niwanyine, is currently admitted at Gulu Hospital, according to the UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire.
Mr Karemire said on his Twitter handle today (Sunday) that Niwanyine attached to the 71st battalion lost his eye in an attack by a civilian.
“He lost his eye when he was violently attacked in Bibia as he enforced directives to prevent Covid-19. Such incidents emerging including pelting stones at security forces must stop,” the army officer tweeted.
Mr Niwanyine, an escort to the Amuru Resident District Commissioner, was attacked in Bibia Town Council yesterday (Saturday) at around 8:30pm as he told people to close their shops.
Police have arrested Stephen Olibia on suspicion of committing the crime and he is currently detained at Amuru police station.
Civilians have continued to attack security agents by pelting stones in various parts of the country including Isingiro, Rukiga and Kabale districts in western Uganda, Moroto district and Busia Municipality.
On Friday, Brig Karemire warned people against attacking security personnel enforcing the presidential directives on preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
“Please, don’t obscure security forces while on duty. Don’t put your fingers in fire because you are going to get burnt by doing these silly things,” he warned.
Uganda continues to enforce the lockdown to prevent further spread of Coronavirus.
There are 53 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Uganda with four patients having so far been discharged.
