How illicit waragi dealers are evading security detection

KARAMOJA - Dealers of the local potent gin have devised ways of hiding loaded 30 litre jerrycans in the polythene bags packed with sawdust to evade security checks and arrest while in transportation to Karamoja.

So far, over five roadblocks to eliminate transportation of stolen cattle and crude waragi have been established along the three major entry routes to the region, including Muyembe-Moroto via Nakapiripirit, Soroti-Moroto via Katakwi and Amuria to Moroto via Apeitolim in Napak district.

However, the move taken by the security agencies, namely the Uganda Police Force and the People’s Defence Forces, to regulate the transportation for sale and consumption of the illicit gin has led to dealers designing new ways to survive in the lucrative business.

Speaking during the destruction of 186 jerrycans of the potent gin on December 17, 2025, the newly deployed Moroto Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Benon Kwikiriza acknowledged the new tactics.

“Much as they are inventing new methods, we shall be on top of the game,” he said.
Kwikiriza said the traders were now packing a pair of jerrycans in a 100kg polythene bags, then covering the containers with sawdust.

“When we saw dust being transported to Moroto we did investigations," he said, adding that they found jerrycans concealed in the bags.

A police officer slits a gunny bag using his gun to access waragi containers concealed in sawdust. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

Negative effects of the vice

Kwikiriza further said the consumption of the liquor has heavily impacted on the populace negatively.

“We have registered cases of family breakups,” he said, adding that assaults are also on the rise in the communities.

Kwikiriza also said productivity amongst families was very low because most of them preferred drinking waragi to farming.

The Rev. Can. Joseph Ichumar from Karamoja Diocese, witnessing the process of the gin destruction, condemned the dealers for their involvement in what he described as an enemy of development.

“Crude gin is the biggest enemy in the community, contributing to poor health, mental disorders and failure to build families,” he noted, adding that in the recent past the liquor had claimed lots of lives in the sub-region.

Ichumar advised the community to desist from excessive intake of alcohol, saying the bible prohibits consumption.

Moroto district Police commander Henry Abaho said the forces will intensify the hunt for the dealers of the crude alcohol.

He added that the festive season was around the corner when most dealers want to stock, but we have secret informers to let us understand.

Abaho appealed to the leaders to sensitise the community, saying most of them do not know the dangers of alcohol.

Today’s destruction of the local potent gin brings to an estimated 30,000 litres worth shillings 200 million destroyed in the last four weeks.