Bars operating beyond midnight face closure

As one of the efforts to control the crime rate in Kampala, Nakawa division deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Jackie Kemigisha Kiiza has said that all bars that will be found operating before 7pm and beyond midnight are to be closed down

In an exclusive interview with The New Vision at her office in Kampala, Kemigisha said in the past, they have had many criminal gangs in Nakawa disrupting the resident's peace."We have found out that criminals spend day time drinking in bars and carry out crimes during the night." She said.

She added that together with the police in the area, they have formed a team to enforce this order adding that all culprits are to be arrested for defying the order.

Apart from bars,Kemigisha pointed out abandoned buildings and Nakawa Naguru estate bushes as hide out for criminals in the division, however said they are working with police to fight them.She added that Kampala Capital City Authority should also solve the issue of people starting up bars in residential areas adding that the act is on the rise in Nakawa division."

 

The deputy RCC however said authorized discotheques and night clubs in authorized places are free to operate throughout the night and day as they are secured.

Kemigisha called on local leaders like village chairpersons to sensitize the residents on dangers of drinking during day time and the risks of moving on streets past midday."Local leaders can conduct meetings and come up with by laws. As security personnel, we will enforce them for the safety of the area." Kemigisha added.

According to Kemigisha, Nakawa holds over 200 places of leisure including disco techs, night clubs and bars.Sarah Apolot, the manager at APO'S bar in Nakawa supported Nakawa division authorities to close all bars operating after midnight adding that this will reduce on the noise in the night to allow the area residents rest.

She however added that there is need to consider people with restaurants and bars in the same place as they cannot open their businesses at 7pm, adding that they have to serve breakfast and lunch to their customers.

Jackson Tuinomugisha also a bar owner in Nakawa division said the law will affect them much adding that the few hours they have been given to operate business are not enough to collect enough money to cater for their expenses."The rent fees are high, and we employ people whom we also have to pay," he explained.