Intensified search has been launched against James Mulopa, a local bar operator Kalamoya zone in Buwenge town council Jinja district following the alleged death of a customer at the bar premises.
Zubair Sekiti also known as Balikoowa, a resident of Buwenge town council collapsed dead after taking alcohol and smoking Oris cigarettes and local “waragi” at Mulopa’s bar which sparked unanswered questions among community members.
Buwenge police responded to the reports, visiting the scene and opened up a death inquiry file thus prosecution guided investigations surrounding the sudden death commenced.
“On the fateful night of February 7, 2024 at around 1am, Zubair was seen in company of other people boozing and smoking Oris cigarettes and waragi at Mulopa’s bar. He later collapsed and died instantly,” confirmed SP James Mubi the Kiira region police spokesperson.
Mubi stated that police has embarked on searching for Mulopa who is currently on the run. The deceased body’s is at Jinja main hospital pending postmortem and forensic report following the submission of exhibits to Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL)
“By law Oris cigarettes were banned in Uganda, smoking is prohibited in smoking free zones especially public places like bars, hotels, hospitals, schools, lodges, offices, recreation centers, mosques, and churches among others,” added Mubi.
Mubi who said cigarettes are sold in packets not sticks, revealed that Kiira regional police command shall start enforcement drives against culprits who violate the Tobacco Control Act.
If brought to book, James Mulopa will be charged for permitting smoking in smoking free zones, selling prohibited cigarettes to minors as the unlawful drug is not allowed to persons below 21 years.
According health experts, smoking especially cigarette cause cancer, bad breath, and also reduces blood which police call on stakeholders like office of the District and City Health officer, civil organizations, political leaders, parents, religious and cultural leaders to join the enforcement drives.
“If it’s proved that the deceased was murdered subsequently suspects will be arrested,” he said, cautioning concert promoters against smuggling the banned items.
