Police in Uganda’s capital Kampala are holding 165 people for "defying" the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed as a measure to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

On Wednesday night alone, at the start of the curfew, more than 60 people were rounded up in Kampala and nearby districts.

Another six people were opening their shops, breaking presidential orders that businesses must close.

Local media has published videos showing those arrested sitting on the ground outside the Kampala Central Police Station, raising concerns that herding the suspects together goes against social distancing advice.

VIDEO: More than 100 people were arrested last night for defying curfew orders by the President. They spent the wee hours of the night at central police station and are now currently detained there. These include old women and persons with disabilities. #COVID19UG #CurfewUG pic.twitter.com/pbmIZCMXuj

— #CanaryReports (@CanaryMugume) April 3, 2020

A police spokesperson told the BBC that all the suspects had their temperature taken, and they have to wash their hands regularly according to Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

Why is social distancing necessary?

• Social distancing is important because coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air.
• These can be breathed in, or can cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.