By Mike Rwothomio

NEBBI: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) conducted a targeted counter-illicit operation in Nebbi Municipality, seizing a significant cache of unauthorized alcoholic beverages On June 11, 2025.

This intelligence-driven raid aimed to disrupt the circulation of illicit and non-compliant alcoholic drinks, a persistent threat to public health and economic security.

The operation, executed with precision on Wednesday, uncovered an illicit alcohol production facility in Akese Cell, Nyacara Ward, Abindu Division, Nebbi Municipality.

The site was manufacturing and packaging various alcoholic beverages, predominantly in sachets, which are often associated with unregulated and hazardous products.

Isaac Kamukama, UNBS Surveillance Officer, revealed that the operation was initiated following actionable intelligence provided by a concerned citizen.

The tip-off highlighted suspicious activities indicative of illicit alcohol production.

“Upon receiving credible intelligence from a vigilant citizen regarding a facility suspected of manufacturing and distributing illicit alcoholic beverages, our team conducted a rapid response. On-site, we confirmed the production of non-compliant alcoholic beverages,” Kamukama stated.

The seized products included “Ambiance Gins” and “Salongo Gins,” packaged in sachets.

Inspection revealed that these beverages lacked UNBS certification, a critical compliance requirement under Ugandan law.

Further investigation exposed deceptive branding, falsely indicating a Kenyan manufacturer, which prompted UNBS to seal the premises to prevent further operations.

No arrests were made, as the perpetrators fled the site, abandoning some of their equipment and inventory.

Local authorities, including Akese Cell’s LCI Chairperson James Kertho, claimed ignorance of the illicit activities.

However, a neighborhood resident contradicted this, stating that evidence on the ground suggested long-term production.

The resident noted that the operation had been ongoing for an extended period, raising concerns about local oversight and community awareness.

Dangers of Illicit Alcoholic Drinks

According to UNBS, Illicit alcoholic beverages pose severe risks to public health, safety, and national security.

These products, often produced under unsanitary conditions, can contain toxic substances such as methanol, leading to poisoning, blindness, or death.

In Uganda, where alcohol consumption per capita is among the highest in East Africa (9.5 liters annually for individuals over 15), the proliferation of cheap, unregulated drinks exacerbates substance abuse, particularly among youth.

From a security perspective, illicit alcohol undermines economic stability by evading taxes, weakening legitimate businesses, and fueling informal economies.

Socially, illicit brews contribute to gender-based violence, high school dropout rates, and increased HIV/AIDS transmission, compounding Uganda’s socioeconomic challenges.

The UNBS is mandated to safeguard consumer health and ensure market integrity through standardization and quality assurance. Under the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act of 1983.

The Food and Drugs Act of 1959 further supports UNBS’s mandate by prohibiting the adulteration of food and drugs, while the Enguli Act of 1965 regulates the production and sale of local distilled spirits, requiring licenses and compliance with UNBS standards.

Non-compliance, as observed in Nebbi, constitutes a breach of these laws, warranting enforcement actions such as seizures and premises closures.

2024 Statistics on Illicit Goods in Uganda

In 2024, UNBS intensified its crackdown on illicit goods, reflecting the growing threat of substandard products.

According to UNBS reports, over 1.2 million units of non-compliant goods, including alcoholic beverages, were seized nationwide.

Illicit alcohol accounted for approximately 35% of these confiscations, with sachet-packed drinks being a primary target due to their affordability and accessibility.

Kampala and Jinja reported the highest seizure volumes, but operations like the one in Nebbi highlight the spread of illicit production to rural areas.

The economic impact of illicit trade in 2024 was estimated at UGX 500 billion in lost tax revenue, underscoring the need for robust countermeasures.

UNBS conducted over 3,000 inspections and sealed 150 premises involved in illicit production, demonstrating a proactive stance against this multifaceted threat.

The Nebbi operation underscores the critical role of community vigilance and intelligence-sharing in combating illicit trade.

Stakeholders argue that UNBS’s swift response highlights its commitment to disrupting illicit supply chains, but the perpetrators’ escape indicates a need for enhanced coordination with law enforcement to ensure accountability.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa