UNBS cracks down on illegal gin factories on World Metrology Day

20 May 2026, 10:47 am

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

As the world marks World Metrology Day on May 20, authorities from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) have intensified operations against the manufacture of uncertified alcoholic products, sealing off illegal distilleries in Kibuku and Pallisa districts.

The latest enforcement operation followed intelligence reports on the production of illicit gin and vodka under counterfeit and uncertified brand names. Officials say the hunt for illegal alcohol manufacturers led them to premises operated under the name Denzo Distillers Kasese in Kadama Town Council, Kibuku District.

According to manager market Surveillance at (UNBS) Daniel Arorwa, the occupants initially refused to open the gates to the premises, prompting intervention from local leaders before access was granted. Authorities accuse the company of deceptively indicating its address as Kasese, illegally using the UNBS distinctive mark, and manufacturing uncertified Steadyman Vodka.

During the operation, suspects reportedly attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling, while the proprietor allegedly hid under a bed before being apprehended. All suspects were later arrested and transferred to Kibuku Police Station as investigations continue.

The factory, identified as Steadyman Wines and Spirits located in Buseta Central, Kibuku District, was reportedly owned by Byarugaba Frank. It was sealed off for manufacturing uncertified vodka and gin under the brand names Steadyman and Kasese Waragi.

UNBS inspectors impounded large quantities of alcoholic products, including 88 cartons of Kasese Tooke Waragi packed in 200ml bottles, nine cartons of 100ml bottles, 45 cartons of unflavored Steadyman Vodka, and 15 cartons of flavored Steadyman Vodka. Authorities also recovered approximately seven cartons containing empty 100ml PET bottles intended for packaging.

In a separate operation, another factory identified as Tooke Distilleries and Beverages located in Kalala West Ward, Pallisa Town, was also sealed off for allegedly manufacturing uncertified gin. The facility is reportedly owned by Amalai Jovan.

At the Pallisa premises, authorities seized 30 cartons of Kasese Tooke Waragi packaged in 200ml bottles and 11 cartons packed in 12-piece cases. Officials further recalculated the impounded stock and estimated the seizure at approximately 290 cartons containing 24 bottles each of 200ml products, alongside 60 cartons of corrugated packaging boxes and about 500 empty PET bottles.

UNBS officials emphasized that all confiscated goods are properly documented and traceable through serialized notices of seizure before being delivered to UNBS central stores.

The owner of the Kadama premises was identified as Nikwoasimire Kenneth, with exhibits of the suspected substandard Steadyman Vodka reportedly being transported to the UNBS Mbale office for further analysis.

The operations come as Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Metrology Day, a day dedicated to the science of measurement and the importance of standards in protecting consumers, promoting fair trade, and ensuring product quality and safety.