KAMPALA- Police is to start enforcing a presidential directive to ban hoods and motorists found wearing them will be arrested and detained.
In a message issued by the Director of Operations, AIGP Asuman Mugyenyi, all regional, district and divisional police commanders, are expected to enforce the directive issued by President Museveni during his address to Parliament on June 20, 2018.
After the murder of Arua Municipality MP, Hon Ibrahim Abiriga, President Museveni addressed the Parliament of Uganda on the state of security and he directed that people riding motorcycles and motor vehicles should henceforth not wear hoods.
Abiriga and his brother were shot dead in Kawanda Wakiso district, reportedly by two hooded men who were riding on motorcycles.
President Yoweri Museveni said that the government was to ban wearing of hoods while driving as it was discovered that it is the technique assailants use to disguise their identity before committing murder.
According to the message issued by the Director of Detectives, drivers and cyclists found wearing hoods will be arrested and detained.
“This also extends to driving/riding while wearing anything that can conceal/obscure facial disposition,” reads Mugyenyi’s message in part.
“You are therefore directed to enforce H.E [the president]’s directive by arresting/apprehending defaulters,” Mugyenyi adds
Officers have in addition been ordered to conduct community policing meetings to educate the public over the directive.
Banning of hoods was one of the 10-point security plan that President Museveni presented to parliament last month.
