West Nile Region Police have opened an investigation into a deadly local gin, which killed 12 people, including six from Zambia cell, Mvara road in Arua city and six more from Geria village, Yachi Parish, Ogoko sub-county in Madi Okollo district, after they consumed the deadly gin.
In the West Nile Region, the Territorial Police have launched an investigation into a deadly local gin that is alleged to have killed 12 people, including six from Zambia cell on Mvara Road in Arua city and six from Geria village, Yachi Parish in Ogoko sub-county in Madi Okollo district), who consumed the deadly gin.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, a total of 20 other victims are being treated for suspected methanol poisoning after they developed symptoms of poisoning such as stomach ache, dizziness and vomiting after drinking the deadly G5 local gin.
The deceased persons who consumed the drink from Zambia cell, in Arua city include Amuzu Nelson, a 50-year-old male peasant of Dadawu cell, Dadawu ward, Ayivu East, Arua city, who died on the 18.08.2022 at around 11:54 pm.
Alioni Isaac, a 47-year-old, male peasant of Iniowa cell, Ombokoro ward, Ayivu East division, Arua City, died on the night of 18.08.2022. Edamara Dick, a 34-year-old, male peasant of Okuambo cell, Ombokoro ward, Ayivu East division, Arua city, died on 19.08.2022.
Tito Gordon, a 51-year-old, male Askari of Emmanuel Cathedral Church and resident of Central cell, Mvara ward, central division, Arua city, died on the 20.08.2022 at around 1020am.
Titus Awudele, a 51-year-old male peasant of Dawawu cell, Ayivu East Division, the Arua city, died on 20.08.2022 at about 7.45 pm at Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
Karibu Cosmas alias Toko, a 53-year-old, a male peasant of Sudan zone cell, Mvara ward, central division, Arua city, died on 21.08.2022 at around 11:30 am.
The other deceased persons who died as a result of drinking the same deadly gin in Geria village, Yachi parish, Ogoko sub-county in Madi Okolllo district include Ofuti Charles, Augutoko Gilbert, Anguzu Michael, Bolo Eliaza John, Toko Joel and Lemiya Valentino.
Enanga said out of the 20 survivors, two have been discharged, leaving a balance of 18 victims. The discharged patients include; Andeku.O.Alija a 53-year-old, primary teacher of Oduloba and resident of Zambia cell Mvara ward, who was discharged from Arua Regional Referral Hospital on 21.08.2022 and Yoda Adriko, both from Arua City.
He said the District Security Committee has immediately banned the sale of the deadly G5 local gin in West Nile and closed the factory, for further investigation.
The police spokesperson, however, revealed 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 sale of City 5 local gin illegal.
“So far 4 suspects have been arrested to help with investigations. Norman Godfrey, a 32-year-old dealer, at Zambia cell, Mvara ward, central division in Arua city. He was released on bond to go for treatment. Ezikuru Rose, a 40-year-old, business dealer, arrested from the Luluwiri wine factory, resident of Pokea cell, Ayivu West division.”
“Andule Gordon, a 54 year business dealer, arrested from Luluwiri fruit wine factory and resident of Pasua cell, Pokea ward, Ayivu west division. Chandribo Philem, a 28 year old, factory worker and resident of Kasua cell, Pokea ward Ayivu west division,” Enanga said.
He further mentioned that further efforts are in place to trace and arrest the owner of the local distillery 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.
In the West Nile Region alone, there are over 35 different brands of local gin made from sugar cane, cassava, pineapple, apple, Kibaako, and 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 headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain and vertigo. Victims may also start to hyperventilate and feel breathless. In severe cases, blindness may occur.
“As a result, all dealers still in possession of the G5 local gin are directed to stop its sale with immediate effect and hand it over to the nearest police unit for further exhibit. If any one is suspected to have consumed it, they should be taken to hospital for treatment because management of alcoholic poisoning is complicated,” Enanga added.
