Makindye chief magistrate’s court has sentenced 19 people to 30 days imprisonment for engaging in a drinking spree in a bar in breach of the ministry of healthy guidelines meant to check the spread of the Covid -19 pandemic.
The group was arrested during police operations conducted past curfew time. They were Tuesday charged before grade one magistrate Irene Nambatya.
They include; Lukia Nasali 28, Africa Namusoke 26, Alexandria Wamuze 27, Mariam Muhamad Ali 24, Charity Kabasinguzi 26, Morren Were 32, Irene Kansiime 26, Charles Kiggundu 38, Allan Ssemujju 38.
These were charged alongside Andrew Kitayimba 22, Issa Bussulwa 35, Lameka Ssengoba 33, Sadam Katoto 29, Simon Kiyemba 27, Edmond Lwanga 28, Charles Ssekandi , Alman Ssemuga, Sualiman Kaweesi 40 and Albert Mujuni 21, all residents of Kitebi in Lubaga Kampala district.
The state attorney Gertrude Apio told the court that on July 31, 2021 while at Kitebi star bar, the group gathered in big numbers during curfew time without observing the standard operating procedures.
Their act, she added was likely to spread an infectious disease Covid-19 which is dangerous to human life.
President Museveni directed bars to remain closed in the fight against the spread of covid-19.
The group pleaded guilty to the offense saying that they were in a bar drinking alcohol by the time of their arrest.
One of them, Lukia Nassali, however, told the court that she had gone to buy drugs for her baby which was presented sick in court by the father.
They pleaded to the court to give them a lenient sentence giving various reasons and promising not to repeat the act.
The trial magistrate who wondered how people do not respect presidential orders sentenced them to 30 days in prison, warning them not to repeat the act.
