Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
The residents of Arua and Madi Okollo districts in northern Uganda faced a devastating tragedy last August where multiple lives were tragically lost due to the consumption of City 5, a locally produced gin. Among the victims was Titus Awudele, whose brother, Robert Awudele, recently testified in court about the harrowing effects of the lethal alcohol. As the trial commences, the community seeks justice for the lives lost and accountability for those responsible.
During the court proceedings at Arua Chief Magistrate’s Court, Robert Awudele provided a grim account of the tragedy that unfolded after his brother, Titus Awudele, consumed City 5 gin. Titus suffered severe symptoms, including weakness, sight difficulties, stomachache, headache, and unusual sweating. Despite medical attention, he succumbed to the effects of the tainted alcohol on August 19.
The impact of City 5’s toxicity extended beyond Titus Awudele. Dozens of other individuals, including the LC2 chairperson of Oduluba ward in Arua city, lost their lives after consuming the same gin. The scale of the tragedy left the community in deep sorrow and searching for answers.
The accused parties involved in the production of the deadly alcohol now face charges of murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder. Additionally, they are charged with manufacturing, selling, distributing, and possessing products that do not adhere to the regulations set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). The accused individuals, namely Rose Inzikuru, Gideon Adule, and Norman Godfrey, were released on bail last year.
In response to last year’s fatalities, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) initiated an investigation into City 5 gin. The findings revealed that the gin contained excessive levels of methanol, a toxic substance. UNBS suspects that the perpetrators may have used methanol as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, commonly used in alcoholic beverage production, to increase the potency of the gin.
The court proceedings have shed light on the gravity of the case, with witnesses like Robert Awudele playing a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the tragedy. Chief Magistrate Paul Matyama has adjourned the case until August 9 to hear from additional witnesses, keeping the pursuit of justice alive.
