By Alexander Mackey Okori
The Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) has impounded a vehicle with registration number UBL 798Z for transporting illicit waragi.
The vehicle, heading to an unknown destination in the Karamoja sub-region, was intercepted at Atari Checkpoint on Muyembe-Namalu road on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as part of ongoing security efforts to crack down on those involved in the illicit waragi trade.
AIP Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto/ASTU spokesperson, said in a press statement that the vehicle was carrying around 192 jerrycans of illicit liquor.
Longole added that the driver, Otoo Alfred, abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
He mentioned that the police and sister agencies have launched a manhunt for the driver who is still at large.
According to him, the impounded vehicle is being held pending further investigation. “This operation highlights joint security efforts to combat illicit trade in the region,” said Longole.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to illicit trade to the police and other security organs.
The sale and consumption of illicit waragi is banned in the Karamoja sub region as per Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2023.
The ban, which took effect on May 19, 2023, followed concerns that the consumption of potent gin was part of the factors fueling cattle rustling in the region, as suspected rustlers would allegedly consume it to enhance their courage during raids.
There were also several deaths reported as a result of uncontrolled alcohol consumption by starved residents in the hunger-stricken region.
Karamoja, the restive mineral-rich sub-region, is ranked as the top alcohol consumer in the country, according to the Uganda National Household Survey 2019/2020.
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