Gulu—1, June 2020: Police in Gulu has arrested Aruu South MP Odonga Otto, Kilak South MP, Gilbert Olanya, Peace Division LC3 Chairman Kelly Komakech and Counsel Stella Kijange for holding what they termed “illegal demonstration”.
Mr Odonga and his colleagues, including some locals were protesting “overwhelming Covid-19 cases” in the district that are being managed at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
Police soon halted the protest that originated from For God parish along Gulu – Nimule road.
Attention has been drawn to Gulu in recent weeks after the [district task-force on Covid-19] confirmed its referral hospital and other isolation centres had over 50 Covid-19 cases under management.
Truck drivers from South Sudan via Elegu border in Amuru district who test positive for the virus are being transported to Gulu for medical attention.
Acholi sub-region, according to a Gulu based investigative journalist, Willy Chowoo has over 100 Covid-19 cases.
Also read: Uganda: Seven frontline health workers test positive for Covid-19
According to Chowoo, the leaders were protesting the ill-equipped facilities at the hospital and lack of government response to the matter.
Those arrested are being detained at Gulu Central Police station.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa Regional Police Spokesperson could not be available by press time for a comment following the Lawmakers’ arrest.
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