A young man in Namisindwa district has lost his life during a drinking competition, with two others in critical condition. The deceased has been identified as Wamoka Kusuya, 26, a resident of Bushandu village, Bunambale parish, Tsekululu Sub County in Namisindwa district.

The drinking competition was organized over the weekend by a local businessman known as Zeki at Busulwa trading center, who offered a reward of 10,000/= for anyone able to drink twenty bottles of ‘Officer’ kombucha drink, a Kenyan brand product. Three young men, including Kiloton Kutosi, 25, and another individual known as Wamutu,27, joined the competition with the hope of winning the cash prize.

During the competition, Kusuya collapsed after consuming five bottles of the potent drink. Locals attempted first aid measures, including having him drink urine and raw eggs, but his condition worsened. He was then rushed to Magale Health Center III for treatment, but he passed away on the way. 

Emma Bwayo, the Namisindwa district youth male councilor, expressed regret over the incident, urging young people to channel their energy and efforts into constructive activities. Moses Waburoko, the Tsekululu sub-county LC V condemned the incident and called on youths to avoid excessive consumption of food or drinks.

Julie Namara, the Namisindwa Resident District Commissioner, confirmed the incident and deployed police to prevent any potential violence at the crime scene. There were reports of relatives planning to retaliate against Zeki, the organizer of the competition. Residents dumped the deceased’s body at Zeki’s home as the relatives planned to bury him there as a form of punishment.