Minister wants ban on waragi

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Warned. Mr Hilary Onek’s appeal comes at a time when there is reported increase in suicide cases in the sub-region attributed to alcoholism.

Gulu.

The Minister for Reliefs and Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Mr Hilary Onek, has called on local governments in Acholi sub-region to enact a by-law slapping a total ban on the consumption of alcohol packed in sachets locally known as waragi.

Addressing leaders from the sub-region in Gulu Town recently, minister Onek warned that consuming large quantities of such alcohol could cause infertility in men. The minister also claimed that such alcoholic drinks are made with chemicals used for making soap.

“We cannot rule out that the sachet Waragi might be added with some toxic substances that might be dangerous to the lives of the consumers. It is on this note that I advise all local governments in the region to put a total ban on it,” Mr Onek said.

The minister’s concern comes at a time when there are increased cases of suicide and deaths in the sub-region attributed to excessive consumption of alcohol.

The Acholi cultural institution prime minister, Mr Ambrose Olaa, noted that alcoholism has become a big threat to the livelihood of many in the community. “Men have abandoned their responsibilities and engaged in heavy drinking instead,” Mr Olaa said.

In October last year, members of the Gulu District Local Council tabled a draft by-law that seeks to control the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

This followed a petition signed by more than 10,000 residents who were demanding that the district authorities should formulate an ordinance that makes it illegal to sell and consume waragi packed in sachets.