By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
Seven female vendors have been arrested and remanded by Mbarara City enforcement and Mbarara Referral Hospital security for operating unlawfully in the hospital premises. The suspects appeared before a magistrate and were remanded until June 20, 2023.
The hospital administration has been vocal about vendors accessing the premises, as their presence compromises sanitation, hygiene, and the overall environment. Vendors have been accused of having links with owners of pharmacies and private facilities in town to deceive patients. Patients have welcomed the operation, viewing it as a way to rid the hospital of fraudsters.
Last year, a meeting was held to ban hawkers from the hospital premises, but the resolution was not enforced.
The hospital administration represented by their PRO Halson Kagure has urged the Mbarara City Council to designate an area for vendors to conduct their businesses legally.
In a recent incident, a one Doreen Amutiuhaire was arrested for sneaking patients into shrines at the request of a witchdoctor in Mitooma, and the police are now working on gathering evidence to arrest the witchdoctor and any other person connected to the incidence.
