LIRA CITY, UGANDA – In a decisive operation on Saturday, September 27, 2026, a security team led by Lira City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole raided Jinja Camp, arresting a male and a female suspected of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit alcohol made from hazardous chemicals.
The operation, which followed a tip-off from concerned community members, uncovered a sophisticated illegal production facility where unidentified chemicals were being mixed with water and packaged as "Iguli Mogo Amoga" – a local brew that has been linked to multiple deaths, particularly among the youth.
Security officials recovered over 140 litres of unidentified chemicals and more than 200 twenty-litre jerrycans already filled with the illicit brew, ready for transport to unsuspecting consumers. Additionally, ten large drums were discovered at the site, awaiting further packaging.
According to RCC Egole, the scale of the operation suggests a well-established criminal enterprise. "When we arrested the male suspect, he claimed he had purchased the chemicals for 37 million shillings," Egole revealed. "This shows the massive profits they are making at the expense of people's lives."
The RCC expressed grave concern over the devastating impact of such illicit alcohol on the community.
"So many youth have lost their lives due to consumption of these dangerous substances," Egole stated. "We are urging members of the public to completely avoid alcohol that does not have a label mark or whose origin and production process they do not clearly know."
The operation forms part of a broader crackdown on counterfeit alcohol and toxic substances that continue to claim lives across the Lango sub-region.
RCC Egole issued a strong appeal to his fellow RDCs across Lango to conduct similar operations to protect their communities.
"I appeal to my fellow RDCs to carry out such operations to prevent people from consuming bad alcohol," he said. "We are investigating other places where this activity may be happening, and we will ensure that all those involved are brought to book."
He confirmed that the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has been contacted to investigate the seized chemicals and determine their exact composition and potential health hazards.
The two suspects are currently being held at Lira City West Central Police Station (CPS) as investigations continue. Authorities are working to trace the source of the chemicals and identify other members of the distribution network.
Security officials have reiterated their call for vigilance, urging community members to report any suspicious production or sale of unlabeled alcoholic beverages to the nearest authorities.
This operation underscores the ongoing battle against illicit trade and public health threats posed by counterfeit alcohol in Uganda. The public is reminded to prioritize safety and avoid consuming any beverages whose authenticity cannot be verified.
