COVID-19: Four remanded for merrymaking

KAMPALA - The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court in Kampala has charged and remanded four people to Kitalya Min Prison for allegedly disobeying Presidential lockdown orders.

The four were charged with disobedience of lawful orders contrary to section 117 of the Penal Code Act. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment upon conviction. 

They include Robert Gi-Bomba 42 an American African national and a midwife residing at Najjeera and Robert Bomba 32, a florist residing at Najjeera 1.

The others charged are Dee - Capitao 28, a Kenyan national and businessman and Sofia Rusoke 44, a businesswoman.

Grade One Magistrate Asuman Muhumuza read them the charges, which they all denied, adding that charging them was against their rights.

On denying the charges, the state prosecutor, Patricia Cingatho informed the court that investigations regarding the case were complete.

 

The four were charged with disobedience of lawful orders contrary to section 117 of the Penal Code Act. (Photo by Douglas Mubiru)

 

 "Your worship, we seek for a hearing date for our inquiries are complete," Cingatho said as she requested for an adjournment.

The accused pleaded with court to release them saying they are innocent.

"This is against our rights, police found us cleaning our lounge and then said we were partying, this is wrong and malicious," Gi-Bomba said.

However, the state prosecutor revealed to court that the accused were arrested by police having found them partying at Jojo's Lounge in Ntinda.

Cingatho also wondered why the accused left their residences and decided to camp at the lounge.

One of the accused couldn't control herself anymore. She barked at the Magistrate ordering him to release them. This prompted the Magistrate to remand them until May 21. 

"Please be calm, we are in court where justice prevails and since you have denied the charge, be remanded until May 21, 2020," Muhumuza ruled.

Prosecution asserts that on April 29, 2020, at Jojo's Lounge Ntinda in Kampala district, the accused disobeyed the Presidential lockdown orders.