Makuei calls for ban of harmful alcohol nicknamed ‘Michael Makuei’

JUBA – South Sudan’s information minister Michael Makuei Lueth has called for a ban on Royal Gin wine nicknamed “Michael Makuei” citing its harmful effects on children and elders.

Speaking during the governors’ forum in Juba on Friday, Makuei emphasized the need for enforcement, highlighting that despite Central Equatoria’s prohibition, the order hasn’t been implemented.

“This alcohol called Michael Makuei has been prohibited by Central Equatoria, but nobody is implementing the order, but it is banned by an order, and I read that order,” he said.

“That drink called Michael Makuei is harming our children, it is killing them, and it is killing elders and doing a lot of things, why should it not be banned?” he asked.

He called for strict measures to prevent its importation across borders, stressing the importance of holding accountable both sellers and producers to safeguard the populace.

“Not only that but even those who sell them should also be questioned because we need to protect our people. We need to protect our children and ourselves,” he said.

“This is a very serious that needs to be taken up seriously and prohibited at the borders and if it is produced here then it should be closed down and these people arrested,” he added.

Makuei underscored the urgency of the situation, advocating for immediate closure and the arrest of those involved in local production.

He raised concerns about the lack of proper licensing and quality checks, urging scrutiny over whether these products meet safety standards for human consumption.

“If it is produced here, it means that are working without a license and if they are working even with a license, did Dr. Kuorwel (Chairperson of the Bureau of Standards) did they check them so that they verify whether they are good quality or fit for human consumption or not,” Makuei said.