The proprietor of Muju Hotel, John Mujuzi, along with his two sons, Cosmas Bwanika and Timothy Munanura, faced convictions on charges of discharging human waste and wastewater into public areas. They were apprehended at Muju Hotel on November 10, 2023, for allegedly pumping waste from a septic tanker onto the nearby road during a downpour. The accused, including Andrew Mayanja, a hotel worker, were arrested and later convicted on their own guilty pleas.
| Accused | Position | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| John Mujuzi | Proprietor | Discharging faecal matter and wastewater |
| Cosmas Bwanika | Hotel Manager | Discharging faecal matter and wastewater |
| Timothy Munanura | – | Discharging faecal matter and wastewater |
| Andrew Mayanja | Hotel Worker | Discharging faecal matter and wastewater |
The four appeared before Principal Magistrate Grade One Lwanga Nsibambi at the Mbarara City Magistrates Court. They pleaded guilty to charges under sections 54, 57, and 61 of the Public Health Act. Despite acknowledging the danger posed to public health, the prosecution requested punitive sentences, emphasizing the need to deter similar offenses and recover costs.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2023 | Accused found pumping waste onto the road |
| November 14, 2023 | Accused appeared in court |
| November 15, 2023 | Convicted on own plea, fined Shs 1 Million for costs |
The court highlighted the accused’s failure to address nuisance notices from the Council, resulting in the involvement of an enforcement team and additional costs. Notably, similar arrests occurred on November 8, 2023, involving 11 individuals, including landlords and tenants from Lower Cell in Kijungu, Nyamityobora ward.
| Offender | Occupation | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Haji Ismail Sengonzi | Rental House Owner | Released after paying sh1m fine |
| Boaz Nyakyiira | Lodge Owner | Remanded until November 23 |
| Kenneth Kasaija | Borehole Technician | Remanded until November 23 |
| Sabbath Arinaitwe | Lodge Manager | Remanded until November 23 |
| Joan Kubuuka | Lodge Owner | Remanded until November 23 |
| Robina Kyomugisha | Business Owner | Remanded until November 23 |
| Rachael Ainomugisha | Tenant | Cases to be determined on November 23 |
| Grace Kobusingye | Tenant | Cases to be determined on November 23 |
| Vincent Twesigye | Business Owner | Cases to be determined on November 23 |
| Benson Atuhaire | Pork Joint Owner | Cases to be determined on November 23 |
Mary Karungi, a health educator for Mbarara City South, emphasized that discharging human waste is a criminal offense compromising public health. She urged the public to report such offenses for improved sanitation and hygiene. Karungi pledged to intensify operations in Kijungu, one of the most unhygienic suburbs in Mbarara City.