Police to arrest organisers of illegal marathons and festivals

KAMPALA, UGANDA:- The Uganda Police Force has warned it would not hesitate to arrest organisers and participants in illegal marathons and festivals.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday where he noted that organisers must inform the Police and other stakeholders for the smooth running of the particular activity.

‘Police has noted with concern, that different individuals and groups are organizing activities like Marathons and festivals without duly notification of the Police, and, in total contravention of the Ministry of Health COVID standard operating procedures and guidelines.’, Owoyesire said.

We call upon the organisers of these activities to desist from advertising and organizing any such activities that are deemed a health threat,” He emphasized further.

In March last year, President Yoweri Museveni banned a number of activities which included outdoor games, closed down schools, churches, mosques, bars among others to curb the spread of covid-19.

A number of the restrictions imposed have since been lifted however several others like the closure of bars and the ban on processions remain in place.