By Parrots UG Spy,
UNDERCOVER REPORT:
MBARARA
Bars operating normally in Mbarara
Business is Usual in western Uganda’s City of Mbarara despite Ministry of Health and President Museveni’s directives on closure of places of Leisure including Bars and Disco places to constrain the possible spread of COVID-19 virus.
Undercover reports by Parrots UG Spied Mbarara city to to establish the allegations that Bars are still open unlike in other parts across the country.
Our Spies visited several bars and clubs in areas of Kakiika, Katete, Andrew’s, Ruti, Boma, Kakoba and it was established that in this area bars are operating normally.
At Link Suits in Katete, a city suburb in Mbarara popular for hangouts by prominent persons including Radio and TV Personalities in Mbarara, Politicians and University students, it was revealed that music, toasts never stops during the day and at night.
An insider at this bar told our Spy that military police enforcing COVID-19 curfew guidelines in the region always storm this place threatening to make arrests but they are always silenced with a Gamba N’ogu (Talk to this one) and little pay.
“Police and military comes at around 2-3AM, at that time, the club reduces on the music sound as they negotiate on how much they should pay. But all in all, there is always a Gamba N’ogu,” source disclosed.
Our spies at other bars like Rooftop Bar at Bam Petrol Station near Mayanja Memorial hospital said although not cautioned anywhere by management, taking photos or capturing videos inside this bar is a grave offence. This is because of the fear of security since the place accommodates revelers from top security personnel in the district. It was however found out that the place operates to beyond midnight.
Other popular bars like Signature Bar walkable distance from Mbarara City Council Headquarters, Stamp Bar along Kakoba road, a popular hangout for university students at Bishop Stuart University (BSU) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) as well as hosting high profile musicians in Mbarara, and Corporate League Bar were also visited.
Here, the story is more less a difference, these places and more in the outskirts of Mbarara city are fully operating. They are always congested on Friday nights, and over the weekend.
Anonymous sources allege that police and other security organs are bribed not to take any actions despite several reports by concerned residents.
The source accuse police of laxity on enforcing curfew guidelines which has given room for bars and other disco places to operate freely without fear of closure. Residents allege that many of these bars are owned by prominent businessmen and some government officials with in Mbarara and neighboring districts whom security cannot force to close for the fear of losing their jobs.
Attempts to speak to the Mbarara District head of security, RDC Lt Col James Mwesigye for a comment remained futile as most of his known contacts were unreachable.
