UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | In a significant legal development, the proprietor of Muju Hotel, John Mujuzi, along with his sons Cosmas Bwanika and Timothy Munanura, faced conviction for discharging human waste and wastewater into public spaces.
The hotel owner’s other son, Andrew Mayanja, also faced charges in connection to the environmental violation. The convictions resulted from actions observed on November 10, 2023, when the four individuals were allegedly found pumping human waste onto a nearby road during heavy rainfall.
The legal proceedings took place at Mbarara City Magistrates Court before Principle Magistrate Grade One Lwanga Nsibambi.
The prosecution asserted that the accused were pumping waste from a septic tanker, powered by a generator, leading to their arrest and subsequent remand to Kyamugorani Prison.
The charges were filed under sections 54, 57, and 61 of the Public Health Act, accusing them of discharging faecal matter and wastewater into the public domain.
During the court appearance, the accused pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging the potential danger to public health posed by their actions.
The prosecution emphasised the need for punitive sentences as a deterrent and requested compensation for incurred costs.
As part of the resolution, the court required the convicted individuals to pay a fine of USh1 million for costs before their release.
Nsibambi highlighted that the defendants had neglected nuisance notices from the Council, opting for enforcement actions that incurred additional costs.
This case is part of broader efforts by Mbarara City South Division to address environmental violations.
Earlier in November, 11 individuals, including landlords and tenants from Lower Cell in Kijungu, Nyamityobora ward, faced arrest, charges, and remand for similar allegations of discharging faecal matter into public spaces.
Notably, Haji Ismail Sengonzi, the owner of rental houses, was fined USh1 million after pleading guilty to the charges.
Mary Karungi, a health educator for Mbarara City South, emphasised the criminal nature of discharging human waste, citing potential health risks, especially during the rainy season.
She called on the public to actively monitor and report such violations for improved sanitation and hygiene. Karungi expressed concern about the involvement of affluent individuals in environmental offences, urging them to seek guidance from the City Council for proper waste management solutions.
In response to the escalating environmental challenges in Kijungu, one of Mbarara City’s more polluted suburbs, Karungi pledged to intensify operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy community.
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