District leaders in Lango sub region have been directed to immediately pass laws banning the sale of sachet waragi.
The directive was made by Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng to the eight districts that make up Lango. These are; Dokolo, Oyam, Apac, Lira, Kole, Alebtong, Amolatar and Otuke.
The ban on sale of sachet waragi was communicated in September 2017 by government. However, it was extended until March 2019 due to outcry by traders. But, the Health Minister has renewed this call, saying it is responsible for breaking up families.
Dr. Aceng made the call during the burial of her late father, Ronald Remmy Apenyo on Monday at Corner Atapara trading center in Oyam district. She noted that the consumption of sachet waragi has taken a huge toll on families with some men failing to fulfill their marital duties like conjugal rights and providing for their families.
"Many children have dropped out of school because their fathers cannot pay school fees. But to make it worse men are not functioning, families have lost their pillars and people are completely going astray," she said.
The State Minister for Health, Sarah Opendi, also said government is committed to ending the production of the liquor packed in sachets. She urged local governments to regulate alcohol consumption to boost production.
The Oyam LC V Chairperson Nelson Adea, said arrangements are underway for the district council to formulate an ordinance against liquor. Yosam Odur, the Lango Paramount Chief backed the latest calls to ban the sales and consumption of sachet-waragi.
He argued that heavy alcohol consumption has affected production in the region as men spending their time drinking. He warned youths against excessive alcohol consumption, saying it is responsible for the high rate of poverty in the area.