The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a stern warning to bar owners across the country, urging them to implement necessary safeguards following a spate of violent incidents, including stabbings, brawls, and hospitalizations resulting from drunk fights, assaults, and altercations over women.
Fred Enanga , the police spokesman says territorial commanders are currently compiling a catalogue of profiled incidents at bars, which may lead to recommendations for closure or license removal.
He has urged bar owners to implement measures such as employing qualified staff, security personnel, implementing incident reporting systems, providing training on handling violent or intoxicated customers, installing CCTV cameras, and establishing medical rooms for first aid treatment.
This follows a string of incidents in bars accross the country that ended in fatalities. Enanga reveals one recent tragic incident on December 13, 2023, at Apex Bar in Lyantonde,where CPL Amanya Kenneth alias Rwamulago, attached to Revenue Enforcement, was attacked and fatally strangled by a suspect identified as Akim.
The motive behind the attack was Akim’s attempt to befriend Amanya’s girlfriend, Kyampire Apophia. The suspect was apprehended along with the bar’s cashier, Kyomugisha Immaculate, and Joshua, and is currently detained at Lyantonde CPS.
Another incident occurred on the same day at 10 pm when Opio Michael and his wife Nyaoro Monica engaged in a scuffle at a drinking joint. The dispute escalated, leading Monica to stab her husband in the neck with a knife. Opio Michael succumbed to his injuries at Express Care Clinic, and the wife has been arrested and charged with murder.
In Luuka district, three suspects are in custody after a month-long investigation revealed the murder of Kiribaki Muhammad. The victim was tortured to death at Makalibisho bar, and his body was dumped in Gwembuzzi village. The arrested suspects include Nabongho Eriakest, Swaga Steven, and Mukhoda Jannet.
Enanga attributes these incidents to lack of safeguards in bars, allowing excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and related dangerous behaviors.