By Jesse Johnson James
Police in Gulu on Monday morning arrested Samuel Odonga Otto and Gilbert Olanya for staging a demonstration in Gulu town.
The duo was arrested from Cereleno market in Gulu town along with Kelly Komakech, the Pece Division Chairman and Stella Kijange, a women’s rights activist.
They were demonstrating over the admittance of more COVID -19 patients at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, which according to them, is overwhelmed.
Otto and others were holding placards written on: ‘‘Gulu Hospital Cannot Handle all cases’’ and ‘‘Truck Drivers in Elegu Intentional’’, among others.
Otto, the Aruu County Member of Parliament said the capacity of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital is only capable of 11 COVID -19 patients but currently it is holding 100.
Gloria Aloyo, the Gulu District Communication Officer revealed that there are 65 COVID -19 patients receiving treatment at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South Member of Parliament demanded that all the excess COVID -19 patients be taken to either Mulago Hospital in Kampala or Entebbe Grade B Hospital.
The presence of the legislators at Cereleno market attracted hundreds of vendors and passers-by, attracting the attention of the police commanded by Emmanuel Mafundo, the Gulu District Police Commander who arrested them.
The legislators were driven away to Gulu Central Police Station in a grey double cabin pickup registration number UG 0407J.
Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson confirmed the arrest of the legislators.
By press time, Okema said the suspects are recording statements at the station before being forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for advice.
“We have them at Gulu Central Police Station, their files are being prepared,’’ Okema said.
