Moroto authorities move to strengthen fight against illicit alcohol

MOROTO - Moroto district authorities say they are moving to strengthen the fight against the sale and distribution of illicit gin.

The move, according to acting Moroto Resident District Commissioner Justine Tuko, comes on the heels of illicit gin claiming several lives and the magistrates' court issuing an order to destroy over 300 jerrycans of the local potent gin.

Speaking at the Moroto Central Police Station during the destruction of over 10,000 litres of Waragi aka Etule in Karimojong dialect, Tuko said they were working with security agencies to eradicate the transportation and sale of the gin.

 He added that the decision aims at regulating the escalating deaths caused by the excessive consumption of gin and that investigations, in collaboration with the Catholic Church's CARITAS, indicated that the mysterious 3,000 deaths in Moroto district over the years are related to alcoholism.

Tuko advised the public to desist from unwarranted consumption of the locally brewed spirit.

“As part of measures to arrest the ugly situation, security agencies and local leaders will confiscate the traders who are found selling and distributing the gin,” he said on November 6, 2025.

He urged local leaders to ensure they report illicit gin dealers in their areas of jurisdiction, saying the gin was claiming lives at a fast rate.

According to him, several results from Moroto Regional Referral Hospital and Matany health facility in Napak district reveal that disproportionate drinking of the gin is the main killer of people, not hunger.

“The drink is unfit for human consumption, hence the need for the community to avoid the gin to save life,” Tuko said.

Moroto RDC Justine Tuko speaks to the locals at the Moroto Central Police Station ahead of the destruction of 10000 litres of waragi. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

Guard Battalion officer in charge Maj. Godfrey Mugyenyi,  who represented 3rd Infantry Division commander Gen. George William Sserunkuma, reiterated the need for the community to regulate the consumption of local gin.

He further asked the Karimojong to detach themselves from excessive drinking, saying excessive consumption impedes life and development.

He appealed to the locals to take the initiative to ensure that sale and distribution are at a standstill, specifically in the villages.

“When the rustlers drink the gin, they gain false courage,” Anti–Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) zonal commander Moroto Faustine Oese, adding that even the gin was escalating crime in the community.

Oese expressed confidence that with community policing, the potent gin addiction will be addressed.

Locals speak

Moses Lorika, a resident of Nakapelimen village, Moroto municipality, urged the authorities to fast-track the regulation of the sale and distribution of the gin.

Nakapelimen village chairperson Richard Lokeris said the community has habitual drunkards who need to be counselled.

Dina Nayor, a resident of Singila village, said: Much as we are fighting the gin from Jinja, we also have our own waragi prepared in Karamoja. It should also be regulated because it causes similar harm to the community.