One arrested as police close bars in Kitgum

Kitgum, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  The Police on Thursday night arrested a woman in Central Division, Kitgum Municipality after she rejected directives to close down her bar.

The suspect engaged security officers led by the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner in a fight during an operation to close down bars for close to 40 minutes before being subdued. 

Security personnel were implementing the president’s directive on the closure of all bars and night clubs in the country amidst threats of the Corona Virus Disease [COVID-19] pandemic.

According to security personnel who handled the operation, the suspect who is reportedly a wife to a high ranking Uganda People Defense Force soldier also hit and injured an operative with a beer bottle during the scuffle.

A source at the Police who preferred anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the police told URN in an interview that the suspect has been detained at Kitgum Central Police station.

He notes that she is expected to be charged with assault and obstructing orders on the closure of bars.

“Unlike other people who complied with the directives, this suspect didn’t want her bar to be closed. She also hit one of the security operatives on the head with a beer bottle leaving him with injuries,’ He says.

Komakech William, The Kitgum Resident District Commissioner says all Bars, pubs and discotheques have been closed in fulfilment of the president’s directives to help curb the spread of coronavirus disease.

Some of the bars, night clubs and pubs closed within the Municipality are Gates Bar, the Dreams Garden, Kros Bar and Embassy Pub among others.

President Museveni while addressing the nation on Wednesday says merry-making places like discos, dances, bars among others are very dangerous gathering points in the wake of corona Virus disease.

“Drunkards sit close to one another. They speak with saliva coming out of their mouth. They are a danger to themselves. All these are suspended for a month,” he says.

Also suspended for a month are learning in all educational institutions, religious, cultural and political gatherings, weddings, conferences and funerals among others.

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URN