Government to ban sachet alcohol

The Minister for trade,Amelia Kyambadde has said government has finalised plans to ban alcohol sold in sachets.

Speaking at the launch of the Uganda Breweries Limited(UBL)'s new glass bottling line at their spirits manufacturing Plant- International Distillers Uganda (IDU) in Luzira,Kyambadde said sachet alcohol has a diverse effect on society.

"It is a gradual process that will start in September and the total ban will be in March 2019,"Amelia said.

The minister applauded Uganda Breweries for the new investiment which she said would be of benefit to local banana producers.

"Increased production will be key in boosting local producers,improve government collections and reduce foreign exchange outflow,"she added.

Uganda Breweries Managing Director Mark Ocitti, said the new line will allow the beer company not only grow in terms of volume but also increase the number of products processed locally.

“The new capacity means Uganda Breweries can expand the range of products that it is currently producing at the plant,"he noted.

The company currently produces Uganda Waragi, V&A and Bond7 at the plant but said the expansion will now help them increase capacity to produce some of the brands like Gilbeys , Richot and Smirnoff which are currently being produced in Kenya.

He explained that the new state of the art line meets international quality distilling standards in order to continue producing exceptional quality and safe spirits with up to date technology that allows for versatility in the packaging process.

“Our commitment is to offer alcohol consumers quality and affordable product."

The sh13 billion bottling line has a capacity of 6,000 bottles per hour, replacing the old line installed in 1950 with a capacity of producing 1,440 bottles per hour.