The Uganda Police Force arrested more than 300 people on Christmas Day for allegedly violating health regulations designed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
147 people were arrested in Katwe, an area in the capital Kampala, after they were found in several bars flouting Ministry of Health guidelines, including the curfew.
“They are currently held at Katwe Police on allegations of engaging in a negligent act likely to spread an infectious disease contrary to section 171 of the Penal Code Act and will appear in court on Monday 28/12/2020,” the police said in a statement.
Elsewhere, another 182 people were arrested in Kira Division in Wakiso District for similar offences.
The police issued a stern warning to bar owners to adhere to government orders or face the consequences.
“We warn bar owners that operations to enforce guidelines against the spread of coronavirus are on and those found operating bars in contravention of the fight against COVID-19 will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry of Health, all bars, night clubs and discotheques in the country are to remain closed, while entertainment centres and concerts are still not allowed to operate.
A steady increase in COVID-19 cases in recent months in the East African country has been blamed on complacency by citizens and blatant violation of COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
As of Saturday, Uganda had registered 33,563 COVID-19 cases, 11,055 recoveries and 245 deaths since the first case was recorded in March, according to the ministry.
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