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.
