Police in Uganda have destroyed over 15,000 litres of illegal waragi in a major crackdown targeting the transportation and sale of unlicensed alcohol in northern Uganda.
The operation, which took place on Monday, involved pouring the seized alcohol onto the ground after it was intercepted at various roadblocks on its way to Kotido District.
According to officials, the destroyed liquor totaled approximately 15,540 litres.
It was found hidden in plastic containers and jerrycans, mostly transported by small trucks and motorcycles.
The waragi was being moved from different parts of the country and was likely meant for illegal sale in the Karamoja region, where the consumption of unregulated alcohol remains high.
“We are stepping up our fight against dangerous waragi that continues to ruin lives.
This is a warning to all those still engaging in this illegal business,” a police officer said at the scene of the destruction.
The move sparked a wave of reactions online, with many Ugandans taking to social media to express their views.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “They should invest more in helping local brewers meet safety standards instead of destroying people’s livelihoods.”
Another netizen commented, “This is a good move.
That waragi has killed many people in the villages. Let’s save lives instead of protecting illegal profits.”
Facebook users also joined the debate, with some accusing the police of targeting small traders.
One post read, “15,000 litres gone just like that! Meanwhile, some top people are still importing worse things without any action taken.”
Others supported the police, saying the crackdown was necessary to protect public health.
“Illicit waragi causes blindness, liver failure, and other deadly illnesses.
Police should continue with these operations,” a concerned citizen shared.
Despite the mixed reactions, the police have vowed to continue with the operation across the region, calling on residents to report any waragi trafficking.
Environmental experts monitored the destruction process to ensure the alcohol was disposed of without contaminating water sources or farmland.
“This is about saving lives, not just enforcing the law,” said a senior officer. “We want safer communities.”
As the discussion continues online, the debate over public health versus economic survival remains a heated topic among Ugandans.