A crackdown on waragi sellers has started in Gulu District in order to prevent further deaths. The Police have confirmed that at least 28 people have so far died after taking suspected poisoned waragi in the district.

The number could, however, be higher as some of the cases go unreported. Swept by the sheer magnitude of the mysterious deaths, district chairman Norbert Mao at the weekend carried out an operation which saw him seize over 700 jerrycans of waragi from local dealers.

In the Saturday operation, Mr Mao oversaw the destruction of 8,000 litres of alcohol at Paicho Trading Centre near Gulu town. "I urge all waragi dealers to start other viable business," Mr Mao told residents.