The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has halted the sale and production of deadly local gin, also known as G5, after it left close to 20 people dead.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has stopped manufacturing and selling deadly G5 local gin, a locally distilled alcohol. Nearly 20 people have died from the toxic effects of the gin, and many others remain hospitalized.
According to the State Minister for Industry, David Bahati who confirmed the ban, the Bureau condoned the factory immediately after receiving the sad news and has since stopped them from making any further sales or production.
‘’The Arua-based Luluwiri Fruit Wine factory, the producers of the adulterated gin was suspended until further notice. The Bureau has sealed off and suspended the production facilities where the adulterated gin was found until further notice,” Bahati told Parliament on Thursday adding that the manufacturers of the drink are under police detention.
Meanwhile, the territorial Police in West Nile Region has since launched investigations into the incident that has since claimed 17 people dead including six from Zambia cell, Mvara road in Arua city and six others from Geria village, Yachi Parish, Ogoko sub county in Madi Okollo district) and others whose details are yet to be found.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, many other victims are still being treated for suspected methanol poisoning, after they developed symptoms of poisoning such as stomach ache, dizziness and vomiting immediately after consuming the drink.
He said investigations made show that the local distillery was not yet fully registered by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), which implies that the Luluwiri fruit wine factory had not yet obtained clearance for production, making their illegal.
Enanga however, mentioned that further efforts are in place to trace and arrest the local distillery owner and other staff, who could face multiple charges of homicide and physical injuries, after clearly establishing the levels of the deadly poisonous substance, used in the fermentation of the local gin.
Enanga however, called on all proprietors of local distilleries in all Regions, to ensure they work with UNBS for registration, proper fermentation and production of the local wines, to prevent poisoning.
‘’We call upon all proprietors of local distilleries in all Regions, to ensure they work with UNBS for registration, proper fermentation and production of the local wines, to prevent poisoning.
In the West Nile Region alone, there are over 35 different brands of local gin made from sugar cane, cassava, pineapple, apple, Kibaako”, industrial ethanol among others which can be risky for consumers.There are many types of alcohol, though not all of them are suitable for human consumption like methanol.’’
‘’It may lead to headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and vertigo. Victims may also start to hyperventilate and feel breathless. In severe cases blindness may occur,’’ Enanga said.
In addition, he called on all dealers still in possession of the G5 local gin to stop its sale with immediate effect and hand it over to the nearest police unit for the further exhibit. He urged all those who had tasted the drink to visiting the hospital and get examined.
