Kampala, Uganda | Kampala Metropolitan Police have reported a fatality and another individual in severe condition following their participation in an alcohol consumption contest in the Kirinda zone of Makindye Division, Busabala, Wakiso District.
The deceased, identified as Kigundu by KMP Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, and his associate Nsereko, who is presently in critical condition at Kiruddu Hospital, were known for their heavy drinking habits. The initial police investigation reveals that the pair engaged in a competition at Julie’s Bar over the weekend to see who could drink the most alcohol, consuming jugs of a blend of coffee spirit waragi and another local beverage known as Tolero.
Witness accounts recorded by Kibuye police indicate that the situation deteriorated after the two had consumed four jugs of the alcoholic mixture. They collapsed and started foaming at the mouth and nose, leading locals to alert Kibuye police, who quickly transported them to Kiruddu Hospital. Unfortunately, Kigundu was pronounced dead on arrival.
Owoyesigyire stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether the alcohol was spiked with poison or if the incident was due to the victims’ negligence. He added, “Our officers have started investigations, that the mixture was laced with poison. But all we know is that this could have happened as a result of negligence from these victims,”.
The police have since warned the public against such reckless behavior, urging Ugandans to exercise caution when consuming locally distilled alcoholic beverages, which can pose serious health risks.
In response to the ongoing fatalities linked to excessive alcohol consumption, Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi has proposed the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2023. The bill seeks to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Uganda, stipulating that alcohol sales should only occur between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm on weekends and not past midnight.