Budaka Police to arrest people caught drinking alcohol before 2pm

Leaders Budaka District have directed police to arrest anyone found drinking alcohol before 2:00PM.

Sam Mulomi, the Budaka District LC5 Chairperson revealed that most people in the district start flocking bars as early as 6:00am.

He added that high alcohol consumption and gambling has taken toll on the district and needs to be checked, through massive community sensitization.

“As leaders, we are concerned with the increasing number of young lives being destroyed through heavily engaging in alcohol consumption and wasting a lot of time on unproductive activities like gambling,” Mr Mulomi noted.

He added, “We want to create awareness among the youth- who are majority, because they are contributing the greatest per percentage of people engaged in consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs,” he said.

According to Mr. Mulomi, a report from the police has shown that most crimes committed, such as assault, burglary and theft are a result of alcohol consumption. He also attributed the high levels of poverty to alcohol consumption.

“People between the ages of 15 and 65 are the most vulnerable.” He also warned bar owners that they risk arrest if they continue selling alcohol in the morning.

The Kamonkoli LC3 chairman, Mr Bernard Mugoda, said that with many youth drinking alcohol in the morning, the crime rate has gone up.

“The proposed ban of sachet waragi by the government should be enforced. Many youth walk with these sachets in their pockets. This is quite dangerous to the community,” he said.

He explained that the sub-county council has drafted by-laws to curtail the increasing alcohol consumption through making arrest in partnership with the police.