Bar managers arrested as police disperse over 200 revellers in Mbale

Police raided Aox bar in Malukhu Ward, Industrial City Division in Mbale City and dispersed over 200 revellers on Saturday night.
Police later arrested two managers of the bar for reportedly defying presidential directives. The suspects are currently detained at Mbale Central Police Station and “will be charged accordingly.”
The operation commanded by the Officer-In-Charge of Mbale Central Police station, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr Arafat Kato, followed reports that the bar had remained open and continued operating despite the President’s directive to keep them closed in a bid to avert the spread of coronavirus.
According to police, none of the revellers wore facemasks as well as observing other SOPs.
"We got information from our informers that there were hundreds of people drinking in Aox bar. We rushed there and we found several people drinking alcohol and doing acts that are likely to spread an infectious disease," Mr Kato said.
"As Police we are ready to continue targeting bars violating coronavirus guidelines. We have deployed our informers in all bars in Mbale District to give us information on bar owners who operate illegally despite the ban," a police officer who preferred anonymity said.
Some of the revelers were seen hiding in toilets and the kitchen during the raid.
Bars are among the businesses that were suspended by the government in an effort to control the spread of Covid-19. However, some have continued to operate in total disregard of the guidelines.
President Museveni suggested heavy penalties for bar owners who flout the ministry guidelines against coronavirus.
In November last year, the Uganda association of bar owners petitioned government to reopen their businesses, outlining losses incurred over time.
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