Tragic Outcome In Drinking Challenge Leads To One Death, Another Critical Condition In Kampala

A tragic incident unfolded in the Kirinda zone of Busabala, Makindye Division, where a drinking challenge turned fatal, resulting in one person dead and another fighting for their life. The deceased, identified as Kigundu, and his companion Nsereko engaged in a heavy drinking competition involving a mixture of coffee spirit waragi and the local brew Tolero at Julie’s Bar over the weekend.

According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, the duo’s excessive alcohol consumption led to their collapse and subsequent foam discharge from their mouths and noses after consuming four jugs of the potent mixture. Witnesses quickly alerted the authorities, and both individuals were rushed to Kiruddu hospital, where Kigundu tragically passed away upon arrival. Nsereko remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations by the police are underway to determine the cause of this tragic incident. Owoyesigyire emphasized the possibility of poison being present in the alcohol mixture or negligence on the part of the victims. He urged the public to avoid such reckless behavior and warned about the dangers posed by locally distilled alcoholic drinks.

The alarming rise in deaths linked to excessive alcohol consumption has prompted legislative action. Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi recently introduced the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2023, which seeks to regulate the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Uganda. Among its provisions is a restriction on alcohol sales to specific hours, aiming to curb alcohol-related incidents and promote public health and safety.