Police in Nyendo Masaka have closed a water processing factory for alleged production of unsafe and dangerous water for human consumption.

The water factory belongs to one business woman in Masaka town identified as Florence Tibesigwa. The factory located at block ‘A’ Zone opposite Bride Drama primary school Nyendo Senyange division has been producing Rwenzori Mineral water brands, safe water, herbal cough syrup and necovit blood tonic.

Rwenzori mineral water being forged

The water is packed in similar Rwenzori mineral bottles complete with UNBS logo and security seal comparing with the genuine product of Rwenzori Mineral water, the first bottled water brand in Uganda. Police on Friday raided the factory and confiscated packaging materials and equipments.

The proprietor Florence Namukasa and several workers ran away leaving behind one Olive Nanzirye who was arrested and is helping police with investigations. Police also impounded a vehicle believed to be owned by the Tibesigwa.

The suspect however denied the allegations that her Boss flee arrest saying she had gone to Kampala to purchase packaging materials.

According to Masaka criminal investigation officer Frank Ntankovu who handles preliminary investigations says the factory was operating illegally.

Police acted on complaints of Olambo fisher men who suspected the water to be unsafe for drinking. Katankovu explains the water was being packaged from a dirty and untidy home with water fetched from Nabajuzi swamp.

Exhibits including chemicals used to treat the water are in the hands of the police. However the UNBS has not yet come up to explain how their logo is being used on unregistered water and how Rwenzori like bottles were used to package the fake water products.

By Mugisa Isaac Mathias