By Elizabeth Andiheihi
Seven people from Murinzi Village, Muramba Sub County, Kisoro district yesterday appeared in Court for failing to have latrines in their homes.
Grade One Magistrate, His worship Dismas Muchelule, allowed the suspects to return to their homes on a non- cash bail of 500,000 Ugandan Shillings and are expected to return on July 11th, 2023.
According to Muchelule, the State Attorney was not available because of commitment to a high court case that was taking place at Court on the same day.
The suspects include Birihira Patilisi 61, Sanyu Deo 44, Dusome Raida 39, Mahundo John 35, Mahoro Jackline Nyirabakire Leusita 61.
Under the Penal Code Chapter 120, Section 160 and 171, the state has the right to persecute individuals who commit a crime of common nuisance.
Suspects resist Arrest, taken by force.
Muramba Sub County Health Inspector Adromah Amwebonaire said a joint operation between Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPF) resulted in the arrest of seven people without latrines.
Amwebonaire says communities have been sensitized about the importance of constructing latrines at home however they have adamantly refused to comply.
Muramba Sub County Chief Dan Munyambabazi said Amwebonaire was once verbally and physically assaulted by some people during a sensitization campaign in Muramba Sub County.
According to Munyambabazi, the latrine Coverage in the Sub County stands at 39% making it the worst ranked Sub County in the district.
Martin Hakizimana, the Muramba LCV Councilor and Secretary for Health and Social Services said this should be a lesson to other people in the community who have refused to construct latrines.
Hakizimana, who also serves as the Political assistant for Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Alex Niyonsaba ‘Seruganda’, said Government incurs huge costs in medical care spending on preventable diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid and cholera.
Nzabona Francis, the Muramba LCIII Chairperson said people who cannot afford to construct a latrine on their own should look for support from their community groups that bring people together.
He appreciated civil servants in the district for implementing the law and ensuring that people learn the right thing to do.
The Writer is a Student of Metropolitan International University (Kisoro Main Campus)
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