Police in Mbale City raided Aox bar in Malukhu Ward, Industrial City Division and arrested over 200 partiers found enjoying life on Saturday night and among these were two managers.
The suspects are currently detained at Mbale Central Police Station and “will be charged accordingly.” According to police, none of the revellers wore facemasks as well as observing other SOPs.
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.
"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.
