Uganda bans public transport for two weeks

Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has announced a ban on all public transport for the next two weeks, as the country grapples with the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

This will impact the lives of millions across the country, hitting the most vulnerable in society the hardest.

Casual labourers who live off a daily wage will no longer be able to earn an income, while millions of others will not be able to get to work each day.

Markets have also been ordered to only sell foodstuffs, as businesses, shops, transport hubs and commercial buildings in central Kampala come to a complete stop.

Videos are already circulating online of the security forces having to disperse crowds and street sellers as people attempted to continue their daily lives.

Witnesses attest to the police and army beating people in the streets, prompting accusations of excessive aggression.

Journalists are reporting that shops are being forced to close, despite no directive ordering such a move from the State House, leaving only restaurants and markets open.

By Thursday afternoon, just one day after the restrictions were announced, police said they had arrested 14 people for looting, as a video emerged online of men stealing pineapples from the back of a truck.

There appears to be real fear, confusion and uncertainty among people on the ground, especially those who can no longer work.

Photo: Getty Images