Police in Budaka District are investigating a tragic case in which a Budaka woman dies after drinking waragi, raising fears of food poisoning linked to a local bar in Kamonkoli Sub-county.
Florence Baluka, a 49-year-old peasant from Bumbirwe village, went to a bar on July 5, 2025, intending to sell roasted soya beans. Later that day, she joined a group of friends at the same venue and began drinking waragi, a popular local brew. Witnesses say she appeared fine until around 9 p.m., when she grew too weak to walk.
A friend named Namulalaka helped her return home. Shortly after reaching her house, Baluka began vomiting and collapsed. She died within minutes.
Police responded swiftly to the incident. They collected samples of the waragi and several empty bottles from the bar for forensic analysis. Officers also secured the scene and took key witness statements.
ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, the Bukedi North Region Police spokesperson, said officers took Baluka’s body to Mbale Hospital for a postmortem. He explained that the forensic report would determine the actual cause of death and help clarify whether the waragi had been poisoned or contaminated.
So far, police have arrested several suspects, including individuals who served the alcohol. These arrests aim to support the investigation and prevent potential tampering of evidence.
The news that a Budaka woman dies after drinking waragi has alarmed residents. Many are demanding tighter regulation of local alcohol sales. Similar cases have occurred in Uganda, often tied to poorly brewed or contaminated waragi.
Authorities have urged community members to remain calm and avoid jumping to conclusions as the investigation continues. Police also advised the public to avoid consuming alcohol from unverified sources.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns around traditional alcohol safety in Uganda. Waragi, though culturally accepted and widely consumed, has occasionally caused serious illness and even death when brewed under unsafe conditions.
If the investigation confirms poisoning, this case could prompt tougher enforcement of brewing and distribution regulations. Police pledged to share the postmortem results publicly once available.
As this tragedy unfolds, Baluka’s family and neighbors are calling for justice and greater protection for consumers. The Budaka woman dies after drinking waragi case may become a wake-up call for both local authorities and national policymakers.
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