At least 14 people died by Monday after drinking a new local brand of alcohol produced by City 5, according to police.
The West Nile Police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia, confirmed the incident, noting that police have made some arrests and cordoned off the manufacturing plant of the gin.
She explained that their preliminary reports indicate that all the 12 victims died between Friday and Sunday morning, while dozens of victims were hospitalized at different locations, including Arua General Referral Hospital.
Seven of the deaths occurred in Mvara and Oluko suburbs in Arua city and seven others in Madi-Okollo district, according to police.
Angucia further said that police have picked up samples of the gin for dispatch to the government analytical laboratory.
The dangerous potent gin is produced by City 5 distillers in Ayivu division of Arua City. The Shs1500 gin is parked in 200ml plastic bottles and lacks the UNBS Quality mark.
Sources revealed that patients presented with headaches, backaches, restlessness, and difficulties in breathing.