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Health Authorities parking the seized drinks in the vehicle. All photos by Dramadri Federick By Dramadri FederickArua city Arua City Health Authorities have stepped up efforts to crack down on illegal alcohol factories, resulting in a significant seizure of un
Health Authorities parking the seized drinks in the vehicle. All photos by Dramadri Federick
By Dramadri Federick
Arua city
Arua City Health Authorities have stepped up efforts to crack down on illegal alcohol factories, resulting in a significant seizure of unregulated alcohol.
Early this morning, authorities seized 662,000 liters of illicitly produced alcohol from two key locations. The operation targeted Juas Enterprises Limited in Ayivu Division, which was responsible for manufacturing Tupandene Vodica and various wines.
During the raid, one worker was arrested and detained at Ayivu West Police station in Onduparaka. This crackdown highlights the growing concern over the spread of unlicensed alcohol production, which poses serious health risks to residents.
In addition to Juas Enterprises, authorities also raided Jack and Donatha Partners, another unlicensed company trading in products like PAL energy drinks and Kakye Buserafrom which a large quantity of raw ingredients and partially processed products was confiscated.
Authorities observed that had already begun to spoil before processing, with indicators such as larvae feeding on stored materials, which signals unsanitary production conditions. These findings raise alarms about the safety and hygiene practices of such illicit manufacturers.
Some ingredients for making Juice and Busera, discovered at Jack and
Donatha Partners.
Alfred Amandu, the Arua City Environmental Health Officer, emphasized that this crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal alcohol factories operating within residential neighborhoods.
“This operation will continue until we have shut down all illegal factories operating in Arua,” Amandu said. “Many of these factories are hidden inside houses, and the conditions are deplorable.”
He explained that the seizure of 662,000 liters of illegal alcohol, valued at approximately 2.64 million Ugandan shillings, underscores the scale of the problem.
Amandu voiced concerns about the health hazards posed by such unregulated alcohol, including risks of poisoning, infections, and other health complications.
The issue of illegal alcohol production is not new to Arua. In 2022, the government banned the production and sale of a locally distilled spirit known as City 5 Gin following reports that it caused about 14 deaths and hospitalized many in the West Nile region.
Numerous victims have also suffered blindness due to consuming contaminated or adulterated alcohol. These ongoing efforts aim to prevent similar tragedies and curb the illegal trade that endangers public health.
The proprietor of Jack and Donatha witnessing the operation.
Community members are urged to play an active role in this fight. Geoffrey Mugomba, the Ayivu Division Town Clerk, called on residents to assist authorities by reporting illegal factories in their neighborhoods. “Please be cautious and verify the certification and approval of products with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Q mark,” Mugomba advised. “Watch out for fake approval signs, which some unscrupulous companies use to illegally sell unregistered products.
Anyone caught selling unregistered or fake products will face arrest and prosecution.”
A recent joint study titled Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in Uganda, published by the Alcohol Industry Association of Uganda and Euromonitor International, revealed that illegal alcohol production has increased slightly from 69% in 2020 to 71% in 2024.
The report also showed that Ugandans consume an average of 4.6 liters of pure illicit alcohol annually, compared to just 2.3 liters of legal alcohol.
This significant disparity highlights the widespread availability and consumption of unregulated alcohol, which often leads to health crises and social issues.
The government’s persistent efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol networks reflect a broader commitment to public health and safety. Authorities continue to monitor and raid illegal factories across the region, aiming to protect residents from the dangers associated with unregulated alcohol.
Community vigilance and cooperation remain vital in this fight by staying alert and reporting illegal activities, residents can help create safer neighborhoods and promote the growth of safe, licensed alcohol businesses.