Uganda gov't cautions against consumption of potent gin after dozens of deaths

The Ugandan government on Thursday cautioned the public against consumption of local potent gin packed in sachets after ten people died due to poisoning since last week, an official said here on Thursday.

Kabakumba Matsiko, minister of information and national guidance told reporters here that the public should stop consuming the gin, locally know as Waragi, as some unscrupulous business people added methanol, a cheap but lethal chemical only for industrial purposes, to the popular liquor.

"This is sounding a warning and may be advice and guidance to all Ugandans, stop taking this Waragi in sachets," she said.

"We are doing all we can but the population must also cooperate," she added.

Ugandan government banned the sale of Waragi in sachets in September after 19 people died and eight others were hospitalized after they consumed the poisonous alcohol.

People have continued to consume the alcohol despite the ban, leading to more deaths, according to reports.

Over the weekend ten people died after they consumed the gin in Gulu district, northern Uganda.

In September 2006, at least 40 people died in various parts of the country after drinking a poisonous local gin.

Source: Xinhua