Family Heads Sentenced to Community Service for Lack of Latrines in Ibanda
The Ibanda magistrate’s court has sentenced four family heads to community service due to lack of latrines in their homes. On October 1, 2023, Vital Akankwatsa (28) from Rwobuzizi, Richard Nuwabiine (30), Nicholas Gumisiriza (50), and Nasitario Bainoha (30) from Karushambya were each ordered to complete one day of community service at the court premises.
Magistrate Esther Murungi stressed the importance of constructing latrines and warned individuals that they must build these facilities within two weeks. Failure to comply could result into their arrest and a potential six-month imprisonment.
Isaac Mugobi, a senior law enforcement officer in the municipality had called for a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to other residents highlighting the need for compliance to protect public health. The four men were arrested by the Ibanda Municipality law enforcement team after it was discovered that their homes were a public health risk due to the absence of proper latrines.
Mugobi reported that 38 homes in the Nsasi and Rwobuzizi wards of Bufunda Division currently lack latrines. Under local law, individuals found without latrines may face a fine of 200,000 shillings or up to six months in prison.
