Due to the rise in cases of violence that normally take place in bars, the Uganda Police has asked bar owners across the country to come up with ways of protecting their clients or else face closure.
SCP Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson while addressing the press on December 18, 2023, at Naguru Police Headquarters said that, there have been multiple incidents of violence, including assaults, scuffles and hospitalizations, from drunkards fighting for women in bars.
“The Incidents show that there are no safe guards by the proprietors and managers and therefore allowing excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and related acts of dangerous behaviors and violence,” Enanga said.
He noted that in most cases, the victims are referred to hospital and the incidents are not reported to police.
Enanga cited many incidents in bars in different areas where clients had misunderstandings and ended up murdering one another.
He attributed the deaths to poor stewards and bouncers at doors, fights over women, football fan violence, alcoholism and drugs.
“This time around, we are taking keen interest in bar crimes. In the event that a crime is concealed or poorly managed, with zero guards, unqualified staff and bouncers which risk a customer, they will be summoned for negligence, complacence and other related offences,” Enanga warned.
“Our territorial commanders are also preparing a catalogue of profiled incidents at bars, which they will further use to recommend for the closure or removal of operating licences,” Enanga added.
Bar owners were urged to have qualified stewards, staff, security, a system of reporting incidents and training on how to deal with violent or intoxicated customers and that if possible, have CCTV cameras in place and medical rooms for first aid treatment.
