Prosecution led by the Abim Resident State Attorney, Patrick Angulipa had prayed for a deterrent sentence arguing that there was general laxity by the public to adhere to the SOPs especially wearing of masks, social distancing and washing hands hence exposing lives to the danger of COVID-19 infection.
The Abim Grade One Magistrate has
sentenced four men to prison for a month for violating the night-time curfew
and contravening the Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs put in place to stop
the spread of COVID-19.
The found appeared before the Abim Grade
One Magistrate, Nicholas Aisu on Thursday and pleaded guilty to the charges. They were jointly charged with knowingly or
having reason to behave in a manner likely to spread infection or disease
dangerous to life following their arrest on Tuesday.
They are David Omara Abura, Geoffrey
Ogwang, Patrick Okello and Jimmy Ronald Owiny. Prior to their conviction, one
of the convicts pleaded with the court for a lenient sentence, saying he was on
ARVs, the life-prolonging drugs for People living with HIV/Aids.
Prosecution led by the Abim Resident
State Attorney, Patrick Angulipa had prayed for a deterrent sentence arguing
that there was general laxity by the public to adhere to the SOPs especially
wearing of masks, social distancing and washing hands hence exposing lives to
the danger of COVID-19 infection.
“My Lord it’s my prayer that the convicts be given a deterrent sentence so that
the public will be reminded about the SOPs and curfew hours,” submitted
Angulipa.
In his ruling, Aisu said he hopes the month-long sentence given to the convicts will serve as a caution to other
Ugandans violating the SOPs and the government directives on COVID-19. Currently,
curfew begins at 9:00 pm and runs to 6:00 am.
Stanley Ebele
Freelancer