Two arrested for inciting mob against Covid-19 patient

Agago, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police in Agago district has arrested two suspects for allegedly leading a mob to attack a covid-19 patient.

The incident happened on Thursday at Tee Kato trading centre in Lira Kato parish, Agago district.

It is alleged that the patient, a resident of Lagar village, Lira Kato sub county was diagnosed with COVID-19 and advised to go under home-based care but refused.

The Lira Kato sub county LC III chairperson, Kyte Ojok Okidi says that residents in the area were surprised to see the patient moving in the villages of Obur Gul and Te Kato instead of isolating at home.

Okidi says that when news spread that the victim was mixing freely with the community, he was attacked by an angry mob that stoned him injuring him on the head and the leg.

According to Okidi, the victim was saved by security personnel who were patrolling the area.

The two suspects only identified as Lawayi and Otto all residents of Te Kato village are currently being held at Lapono sub county police outpost under charges of inciting violence.

The victim was rushed to Dr Ambrosolli Memorial Hospital in Kalongo where he is receiving treatment.

The Agago Resident District Commissioner Andrew Onyuk who also doubles as the district COVID 19 Taskforce chairperson condemned the incident and warned residents against taking the law into their hands. He advised the aggrieved residents to report such cases to health workers and members of the district COVID 19 Taskforce surveillance team.

Onyuk however says the victim’s contacts will be traced and tested.

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