Tragedy struck the Kirinda zone of Busabala, Makindye Division, in Kampala as one person succumbed to death while another remains in critical condition following a drinking challenge gone awry. The deceased, identified only as Kiggundu, and his colleague Nsereko engaged in a deadly competition at Julie's Bar over the weekend.
According to Afande Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala metropolitan deputy police force spokesperson, preliminary investigations suggest that the duo, known for their heavy drinking habits, consumed multiple jugs of a lethal concoction comprising coffee spirit waragi and a local brew called Tolero. Their objective was to outdrink each other, leading to a fatal outcome.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation took a dire turn after Kiggundu and Nsereko downed four jugs of the potent mixture. They collapsed, foaming at the mouth and nose, prompting concerned residents to alert the authorities. The Kibuye Police swiftly responded, rushing the victims to Kiruddu hospital for urgent medical attention.
Tragically, Kiggundu was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Nsereko remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. Afande Luke Owoyesigyire emphasized that investigations are underway to determine whether the alcohol was adulterated with poison or if the incident resulted from sheer negligence on the part of the victims.
"While our officers have initiated investigations into the possibility that the mixture was laced with poison, it is crucial to consider negligence as a potential cause," stated Luke Owoyesigyire.
In light of this harrowing incident, the Uganda Police have issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in reckless behavior, particularly when consuming locally distilled alcoholic beverages.
"We call upon Ugandans to be more careful with some of these locally distilled alcohol drinks; some are too dangerous to people's health," Owoyesigyire cautioned.
As authorities continue their investigation into the tragic events at Julie's Bar, this sobering reminder serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the grave consequences of irresponsible drinking practices within the community.
Alarming Alcohol Consumption Statistics
Alcohol's prevalence in Uganda is striking, with recent statistics indicating that about 75% of the population regularly engages in varying levels of consumption. The data becomes worrisome when considering breakdowns by age, region, and gender.
Age-wise, young adults aged 18 to 35 constitute the highest percentage of drinkers, accounting for almost 85%.
Urban areas register the highest rates due to easy access to bars and nightlife establishments. Men are the primary consumers, making up around 50%, compared to 25% for women. On average, Ugandans consume 12.21 liters of pure alcohol annually. Men average 19.93 liters, while women consume 4.88 liters.
Approximately, 50% of men aged 15 and above and 25% of women in the same age group, partake in alcohol. Among them, 6 out of 10 are hazardous drinkers, exceeding safe limits, putting them at risk of alcohol-related health problems, as per Dr. David Kalema, a World Health Organization (WHO) consultant on alcohol use in Uganda, based on the latest but yet-to-be-released WHO statistics.
