Kigali: Some 30 people in Kabale district (Uganda) – bordering Rwanda have died from the crude spirit known as ‘kanyanga’ here, but as waragi there, reports say.

The deaths occurred during the Easter weekend across several villages in the district. Health officials say 10 more people died yesterday. The other 20 died three days earlier.

According to Kabale officials, the problem is spread across more than 10 villages, also indicating fears the death toll could rise as many people remain in hospitals.

Kanyanga is banned in Rwanda with regular campaigns where hundreds of litters are destroyed, but the drink is common in areas bordering Uganda – mainly in the eastern province.

With the latest deaths, the Ugandan government has warned the people to stop taking alcohol packed in sachets (buveera) and ordered bar owners to stop selling the alcohol until the results of the tests are out.

Media reports said other forms of local brew are also adulterated with the poisonous spirits to make it more potent.

Health officials said samples of the gin, suspected to have been laced with methanol, had been sent to the government chemist in the capital Kampala and another research centre in Entebbe for testing.