A drinking challenge in the Kirinda zone of Busabala, Makindye Division, took a fatal turn over the weekend, resulting in one person confirmed dead and another fighting for their life.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, identified the deceased as Kigundu, while his colleague Nsereko remains in critical condition at Kiruddu Hospital.
According to preliminary findings by the police, the duo, known for their heavy drinking, engaged in a competition at Julie’s bar, consuming jugs of a mixture of coffee spirit Waragi and the local brew Tolero. Witnesses reported that everything seemed fine until the pair downed four jugs.
“They subsequently collapsed and began to release foam from their mouths and noses,” said Owoyesigyire. Residents alerted Kibuye police, who rushed the victims to Kiruddu Hospital, where Kigundu was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the alcohol was laced with poison or if negligence played a role in the tragedy. “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,” Owoyesigyire stated.
The police have issued a caution to the public to avoid negligent behavior, especially when consuming locally distilled alcohol drinks. “We call upon Ugandans to be more careful on some of these locally distilled alcohol drinks; some are too dangerous to the health of people,” emphasized Owoyesigyire.
The incident comes amidst continued deaths attributed to excessive alcohol consumption, prompting legislative action. Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi introduced the Alcohol Drinks Bill 2023, aiming to regulate the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the country. The proposed legislation restricts alcohol sales to between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM on weekends, with sales prohibited after midnight.