A section of bar owners in Jinja City has accused police officers of extorting money from people who were accused of smoking shisha.
The more than 20 suspects, were apprehended during a targeted operation conducted by the police, officials from the tobacco control department in the Ministry of Health, and health inspectors over the weekend. They were arrested from bars that include De’fantasy Lounge, Cafe 49, and Burbon.
According to the bar owners, the suspects were tasked to pay between 200,000-500,000 Shillings in exchange for their freedom.
One of the bar owners who preferred anonymity says that one of the police officers attached to Kiira Regional Police Headquarters negotiated money from the suspects, most of whom were forced to contact their relatives.
A police detective who spoke on condition of anonymity said that dozens were arrested on Saturday and Sunday, however, they were directed to release most of them on Tuesday without charge.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi dismissed the allegations, arguing that the anti-Shisha operation was successful. Mubi said that 13 suspects were arrested, but granted police bond and directed to report to police every week as they await prosecution.
Mubi however, advised the bar owners to file complaints with the police’s Professional Standards Unit for further action against the implicated personnel.
Samson Ssekiwano, the Jinja City Health Inspector says that their teams will intensify the crackdown on Shisha smokers.
The Tobacco Control Act, of 2015, aims to safeguard non-tobacco smokers from the health, environmental, social, and economic ramifications of tobacco usage and exposure. The legislation unequivocally prohibits tobacco products such as shisha, Kubar (a smokeless tobacco often chewed), flavored tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes.
Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that tobacco consumption causes over 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with more than Shillings 7 million being a direct result of tobacco use and approximately Shillings 1.2 million arising from non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke.
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