Sixteen sex workers arrested for defying curfew time in Gulu city

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A total of sixteen suspected sex workers have been arrested in Gulu city for allegedly defying curfew time.

The suspects aged between 18 to 25 years were arrested between 9pm and midnight along Phillip Tana road and Layibi center in Pece-Laroo division.

David Mudong Ongom, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson told URN in an interview that the suspects were rounded up alongside 20 men found drinking in illegal bars while others were arrested after being found roaming in the city center beyond 7pm.

According to Mudong, all the 36 suspects are currently in detention at Gulu Central Police Station and that they shall be screened thoroughly before charging them accordingly.

Mudong revealed that upon screening them, the first time offenders shall be cautioned and released while the habitual offenders shall be charged with disobedience of lawful orders by acting in a manner likely to spread an infectious disease, an offense contrary to section 117 of the Penal Code Act. He also cautioned the locals against defying the COVID-19 guidelines.

Meanwhile, Odongpiny Odwong, the Gulu Resident City Commissioner observed that there is a lot of laxity among the locals of Gulu city in as far as observing the COVID-19 SOPs is concerned.

According to Odongpiny, authorities are going to scale up the enforcement of the SOPs and that all the culprits shall be arrested and prosecuted.

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