Smuggled alcohol intercepted at S. Sudan-Uganda border

July 22, 2014 (TORIT) – Ugandan authorities said on Monday that they had uncovered at least 700 jerry cans of local brew destined for South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state.

The containers were smuggled through Lotukei border point, an official said.

Johnson Kiyaga, the chief warden for Kidepo national park, warned that excessive consumption of the local brew was detrimental to one’s health and vowed to impose tough measure against such illegal dealings

Charles Lokoni, the state’s local government minister, has requested that Ugandan authorities retain the liquor and release the dealers without charge.

However, he said the state government gave orders to all its county officials to prohibit the entry of local alcoholic brews from neighbouring countries.

“The state outlaws trade in local brews, among others, and instructed Ugandan authorities to restrict the illicit liquor from entering South Sudan,” Lokoni said.

Cases of violence, cattle rustling and inter-tribal fighting are among the major issues associated with excessive consumption of local brews.

(ST)