Overview:
Joint security forces maintain that several measures have been implemented, including intensified checkpoint operations, arrests of dealers, and impounding of vehicles transporting illegal alcohol.
The fight against illicit waragi in the Karamoja sub-region is facing growing tension, with security forces and local leaders trading blame over the continued influx of cheap liquor. Despite ongoing crackdowns, illicit waragi continues to flow into the region, leaving devastating social effects.
Security agencies say they have impounded more than 9,000 jerrycans of crude gin since 2021, but local leaders accuse them of colluding with dealers. Joint security forces maintain that several measures have been implemented, including intensified checkpoint operations, arrests of dealers, and impounding of vehicles transporting illegal alcohol.
On February 12, 2026, police at Atari Checkpoint in Kween District intercepted a vehicle (UA 034BR) carrying 30 jerrycans of illicit waragi destined for Girik and Amudat. Two suspects, Hussien Mugwana (30) and Bulobe Taidu (35), both businessmen from Mbale, were arrested and handed over to Ngenge Police Station.
Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), acknowledged that the fight against illicit waragi requires cooperation between leadership and security. He said security forces have done their best to block its entry into the region, but warned that some individuals continue to sneak it in, urging local leaders to report such cases.
Chemusto revealed that over 9,000 jerrycans have been impounded since 2021 and that some local leaders and security personnel have been arrested for involvement in the trade. He added that the crackdown has helped reduce crimes previously fueled by alcohol abuse, including assaults and domestic violence.
However, Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor faulted local leaders for failing to share intelligence about waragi dealers. Ichogor said leaders live among the dealers but often withhold information, instead blaming security forces.
He cited a recent incident in which a truck carrying hundreds of jerrycans of illicit waragi was impounded in Kotido District. Authorities had to deploy heavily while pouring the seized alcohol after some community members attempted to collect it. He noted that eliminating illicit waragi requires collective effort since it is widely treated as a food item in the community.
Local leaders, however, have rejected the accusations and instead blamed security forces for allowing the trade to thrive. Clementine Lochoro, Female Councillor for Lotisan Sub-county, questioned how illicit waragi continues to enter the region despite heavily manned checkpoints.
She said security must explain how consignments travel from Jinja through multiple checkpoints before being seized within communities. John Robert Adupa, LC3 Chairperson of Lotisan Sub-county, alleged collusion between some security officers and dealers.He recalled an incident in December when officers at Naput checkpoint allegedly allowed cyclists carrying jerrycans of waragi to pass without inspection. Adupa also claimed that trucks transporting illicit gin are often cleared at checkpoints after bribery.
He further revealed that he once arrested a police officer found selling more than 10 jerrycans of illicit waragi within the community.
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