Security authorities in Kabale District recently arrested a Rwandan national, Jaan De Dieu Mbonimpa, for allegedly operating an illegal soft drink factory in Kyanamira parish, Kyanamira Sub County. Mbonimpa, a resident of Nyagatare district in Rwanda, was producing a soft drink called “Marishari” without proper permits and certifications.
According to Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Mbonimpa was operating without a valid work permit, certificates from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Public Health Department, and using a forged Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) stamp. This posed health risks to consumers, Nyakahuma said.
Mbonimpa also falsely claimed his drink could treat ulcers, liver disease, leukemia, coughs, and boost libido. Nyakahuma accused him of using recycled bottles, forging the UNBS stamp, entering Uganda illegally, failing to acquire a work permit, and not obtaining Public Health Department clearance.
Mbonimpa had been supplying his drink in Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, Kisoro, Rukiga, Rukungiri and other areas. The operation to arrest him was led by local security and regulatory officials.
According to Kabale’s Assistant District Health Officer for Environmental Health, Oliver Namanya, the drink was prepared unhygienically, risking diseases like diarrhea and cancer. The District Senior Environment Officer, Evas Asiimwe, said Mbonimpa lacked NEMA and Public Health Act approvals.
Mbonimpa claimed he started the business a month ago with a license from Kyanamira sub-county, which the RDC ordered revoked immediately. At arrest, Mbonimpa had produced over 200 cartons of Marishari. He said the drink contained honey, ginger, rosemary, citric acid, yeast culture, and sodium benzoate.