Government, Advocates Call for Urgent Action on Alcohol Control to Protect Ugandan Communities
At the closing of the Uganda Alcohol Policy Conference 2024 (UAPA24) on Friday, government officials and alcohol control advocates strongly urged for the strict implementation of the National Alcohol Control Policy and emphasized the need for comprehensive alcohol education in schools. The two-day conference, held under the theme “Alcohol Control Policies for Holistic Development,” highlighted the significant impact of alcohol abuse on Uganda’s social, economic, and public health landscape.
Mr. Alex Ogwal, an inspector at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, who represented the Permanent Secretary at the conference, called for the inclusion of alcohol and substance abuse education in school curriculums, from primary to university levels. “Children must grow up knowing the dangers of alcohol abuse,” Ogwal said. He also urged traditional leaders to stop providing alcohol during cultural ceremonies, which, he noted, often leads to overconsumption, especially among youth, and introduces children to harmful drinking habits.
Ogwal highlighted the detrimental effects alcohol has had on Uganda’s development efforts, including hindering progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty eradication, quality education, and good health. He called on political, community, and traditional leaders to support alcohol control initiatives and echoed calls for the reintroduction of the Alcohol Control Bill, which has faced challenges in Parliament.
Juliet Namukasa, Chairperson of the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA), voiced her disappointment with Parliament’s rejection of the bill, asserting that it prioritized the economic benefits of alcohol over the public health risks. “The evidence is clear — alcohol is ruining lives,” Namukasa stated. “We hope the voices of Ugandans are heard, and the bill is passed to protect our children and communities from the devastating effects of alcohol misuse.” Namukasa also criticized the political misuse of alcohol, where some politicians distribute alcohol during campaigns to gain votes, undermining efforts for effective regulation.
The Alcohol Control Bill seeks to address the alarmingly high rates of alcohol consumption in Uganda, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the highest in Africa, with a per capita consumption of 12.2 liters. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Uganda’s alcohol problem is escalating, especially among the youth. The WHO and other health organizations have repeatedly warned about the negative impact of alcohol on public health, economic development, and social welfare.
Experts at the conference raised concerns about the worsening alcohol crisis, which now affects 62.7% of Uganda’s population. Dr. Hafsa Lukwata Ssentongo, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Substance Use Control at the Ministry of Health, stressed the urgent need for legislative action to address alcohol abuse. She attributed the rise in alcohol consumption to weak regulations and a taxation system that unfairly benefits bar owners. “How can bar owners pay lower taxes than salon operators or retailers contributing positively to society? This disparity promotes harmful alcohol use,” Dr. Ssentongo said.
Dr. Gerald Makumbi, Chairperson of UAPC24, concluded the conference by emphasizing the need for a widespread public sensitization campaign. “The people must be empowered to demand stronger laws and regulations. MPs must rethink their stance, as they are living in the same environment, with families and communities affected by alcohol abuse,” he said. Dr. Makumbi urged lawmakers to recognize their responsibility to represent the people and to prioritize the well-being of Ugandans over economic interests.
The Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance and the Ministry of Health are now planning further advocacy efforts to address the growing alcohol crisis, aiming to raise awareness, push for legislative change, and protect Ugandan communities from the devastating effects of alcohol misuse
