By Mable Nakibuuka
The government of Uganda has started arresting and jailing politicians who are found breaching Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) that were put in place by the Electoral Commission (EC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among Ugandans during the campaign period.
It should be noted that the police warned a few days ago that they would start arresting all politicians who endanger the lives of Ugandans by staging political rallies without maintaining social distance or exercising the Ministry of Health Guidelines on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
The first victim is none other than Makindye West Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana, who was Tuesday remanded to Kitalya prison after he was arrested by police on Monday over allegations of committing acts likely to cause the spread of COVID-19.
Hon. Ssewanyana, the National Unity Platform (NUP) MP flag bearer for Makindye West, was remanded by Makindye Magistrates Court to Kitalya until November 23rd, 2020, when he will appear for his bail application.
However, unlike the usual court appearances where the accused is allowed access to his lawyers, family or relatives, no lawyer, friends or relatives of Ssewanyana were allowed in court.
It was only him, his co-accused and the Katwe Division Police Commander (DPC) James Ruhweza in court.
Ssewanyana was detained on Monday morning when he went to follow his four supporters who were arrested from Mulungu Landing site in Munyonyo, where he organised a meeting on Sunday.
Sources said when the police stormed the meeting the supporters and organisers fled, including Ssewanyana but four of his supporters were arrested.
The police also recovered a truck with a music system, which the MP had allegedly mounted speakers.
Ssewanyana who turned up at Katwe Police Station was shocked when he was informed that he would be charged with the offence of committing acts that are likely to spread an infectious disease, which is part of the violation of COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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