UNBS seizes 17,770 litres of illicit alcohol in Kampala

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) seized 17,770 litres of illicit alcohol during a surveillance operation in the Nakulabye and Kiwunya suburbs of Kampala. The enforcement action followed consumer complaints regarding substandard alcoholic products on the market.

In addition to the illicit alcohol, inspectors discovered approximately 8,500 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit and 600 bottles of uncertified 200ml gin. Seized gin brands included Timing, Soccer/Socar, Kyakabi, Revo, and Cheza.

Major seizures occurred at Happy Emmanuels Stores, which yielded 9,120 litres of illicit alcohol and 4,500 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit. Fred Asiimwe’s Store also saw the confiscation of 2,320 litres of illicit alcohol and 4,000 litres of unlabelled neutral spirit. Other targeted locations included Harriets Shop, Lillies Quality Suppliers, Musoke Adolf Shop, Nakulabye Super Waragi and Spirit, Brenda Beverages and Logistics Shop, and Mwanguhya Shop.

UNBS stated the operation was conducted under the UNBS Act and Market Surveillance Regulations of 2022 to remove dangerous, non-compliant products from the market. The bureau urged consumers to verify proper labelling and certification before purchasing and to report any suspected non-compliant products to authorities.