UNBS seizes over 17,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kampala
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized 17,770 litres of illicit alcohol in a surveillance operation in Nakulabye and Kiwunya, Kampala, following consumer complaints about substandard alcoholic products on the market.
The surveillance team also uncovered about 8,500 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit and about 600 bottles of uncertified gin, each measuring 200ml.
The operation was carried out under the UNBS Act, Cap 210, the UNBS Market Surveillance Regulations, 2022, and applicable standards, including US EAS 109:2018 on potable spirit specification and US 1028:2013 on labelling requirements for pre-packaged products.
Among the uncertified gin brands seized were Timing, Soccer/Socar, Kyakabi, Revo and Cheza. At Brenda Beverages and Logistics Shop in Nakulabye, UNBS seized 216 pieces of uncertified gin, while 350 bottles were seized at Mwanguhya Shop in Kiwunya.
Significant quantities of illicit alcohol were found at several premises. Happy Emmanuels Stores had the largest seizure, with 9,120 litres of illicit alcohol and a further 4,500 litres of neutral spirit packed in 18 drums.
At Fred Asiimwe's Store, UNBS seized 2,320 litres of illicit alcohol and about 4,000 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit contained in 16 drums.
Other seizures included 3,500 litres at Harriets Shop, 1,570 litres at Lillies Quality Suppliers, 1,060 litres at Musoke Adolf Shop and 200 litres at Nakulabye Super Waragi and Spirit.
UNBS encouraged consumers to look for properly labelled and certified alcoholic products when making purchases. It also urged the public to report suspected uncertified, improperly labelled or non-compliant products for investigation.
UNBS says it is committed to protecting consumers and the environment against dangerous substandard products.
