Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Saturday, June 19, arrested six people at a wedding reception in Bushoki Sector, Rulindo District for violating the Covid-19 national prevention protocols.
The six are part of the big gathering that had converged at Rulindo Catholic Church Hall located in Rulindo village, Gasiza cell, Bushoki sector where Justin Uwihanganye, 29, and Marie Claire Umwizerwa, 25, were hosting their wedding reception.
Many others managed to escape during the operation. Justin Uwihanganye, the groom admitted that they violated the protocols and asked for leniency.
“We are aware that what we were doing was against the government directives but we wanted to take a little time after my religious wedding to hold a reception. On behalf of all my guests, I ask for forgiveness,” said Uwihanganye
The Acting District Police Commander for Rulindo, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Laurent Rafiki said that the violators were reported by the residents.
“Police received a call from a resident at about 4pm, reporting a wedding reception at Rulindo Catholic Church main hall, which was being held contrary to the government guidelines.
There were more than 40 people at the reception although many others managed to fleed but we arrested six people including the brides,” said CIP Rafiki.
The recent Cabinet directives provides that civil and religious wedding receptions happening in hotels, public venues and gardens should not exceed 30 percent of the venue’s capacity and should follow all the Covid-19 prevention measures.
Besides, all guests are required to have negative Covid-19 test not exceeding three days prior to the event and all Covid-19 prevention protocols such as handwashing facilities, wearing facemask and social distancing must be observed.
“They had not taken Covid-19 tests as a prerequisite and were not authorized to hold the reception since they were not permitted by the local administrative authority.”
Normally, anyone that wishes to hold a reception has to seek permission from local authorities at least five days prior. The brides, however, sent their letter two days before, on June 17, and were not permitted.
The arrested violators were taken to Bushoki Police station where they were tested for Covid-19 on their own cost and handed administrative fines, accordingly. (End)