By Nathan Eyagu
ARUA
A locally manufactured waragi called City 5 has killed at least 12 consumers in Arua City.
The deaths occurred over the weekend 20th – 21st August 2022 in Arua City and Madi-Okollo areas leaving many others currently admitted in Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
According to police, the deceased consumed a local waragi labelled as city 5, a pineapple flavored gin while in a bar located in Luluwiri Kasua cell, Pajulu ward, Arua City where the waragi was manufactured from.
Among those rushed to the hospital for treatment include the owner of the shop that sold out the drink in Geria village, Yachi parish, Ogoko Sub County in Madi Okollo district after the alleged intoxication.
Meanwhile the six people who died of the same in Arua City are Awuzu Nelson 50 years, Alioni Isaac 47years, Edemara Dick 43 years, Tito Gordon 51 years, Titus Awudele 51 years and Karibu Cosmas 53 years with 2 victims at the hospital; meanwhile the six who died in Madi-okollo are Ofuti Charles, Angutoko Gilbert, Anguzu, Wolo, Toko, Lemiya Valentino with 18 victims admitted at the hospital.
The incidences were reported to police in Arua City CPS on Saturday and Ogoko Police Stations in Madi-okollo yesterday Sunday 21st August 2022.
According to police, Scene of Crime Officers visited the scene and cordoned it off after picking samples that will be submitted to the government chemist for analysis as general inquiries have been opened at the two Police Stations to investigate these incidences.
“We urge members of public to remain calm and report other similar suspected incidences to police for investigations and they are advised not to drink, sell and manufacture City 5 Gin for now till investigations are over.” The police statement reads in part.
SP Angucia Josephine the PRO West Nile Region further advised Manufacturers of such local drinks to abide by the guidelines of UNBS before making supplies to the public.
She also warned the public to be keen enough to check for the official Logo of UNBS on drinks before selling and consuming in order to prevent such deadly incidences.
