Curfew: Bank cuts working hours

HEALTH  VIRUS

A banking institution has cut its working hours to avoid curfew that was imposed by government in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. 

"Be informed we are closing at 2:00 pm starting from today (Wednesday) to manage the curfew time," reads a message sent to the Diamond Trust Bank customers on May 27. For any inquiries, clients were requested to call 0800242242.

The readjusting of working hours follows the traffic jam that was faced beyond curfew time yesterday. Distances like Mukono and Matugga that take 30-45 minutes dragged on for hours. Some customers and staff spent a night in their cars at the nearest safe place to park.

According to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kampala city roads have a carrying capacity of approximately 45,000 cars a day. The number of passengers recommended is three per vehicle. 

"I got home an hour after the curfew deadline. I was masked as the law requires, and I felt so exhausted from jam in Kamwokya, Wandegeya, and Bwaise," said Joan Namutebi of Gayaza

This followed the lift of the ban on private cars on May 26. President Museveni allowed private vehicles to resume commuting at half the number of the individual unit carrying capacity.

"Public transport will resume on June 2, after the distribution of free masks is complete. But the ban on public transport in districts around the border points will remain until June 21."," said, Museveni. 

Kampala City Metropolitan Uganda Police spokesman Patrick Onyango said anybody driving during curfew time risks arrest.

"Drivers have to budget their journey time," said Onyango.  He said motorists will be allowed strictly between 6:30am and 7:00pm. "You risk spending a night in your car at a safe place," he warned.