Alcohol consumption in Uganda hits alarming 62.7% prevalence rate

Experts from Ministry of Health have raised concerns over the escalating alcohol consumption in the country, which now affects 62.7% of the population.

Speaking at the fourth Annual Alcohol Policy Conference in Kampala, Dr. Hafsa Lukwata Ssentongo, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Substance Use Control, called for urgent legislative action to address the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

The conference, organized by the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, convened scientists, policymakers, legislators, students, and other stakeholders to devise strategies for alcohol control.

Dr. Lukwata expressed disappointment over Parliament’s recent rejection of the Alcohol Control Bill, 2023.

The bill, introduced by Tororo District Woman Representative Sarah Opendi, sought to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, regulate alcohol sales, and increase taxes on alcohol producers.

However, Parliament rejected the bill following a report from the Committees of Trade and Health, which argued that its implementation would impose financial burdens on the Consolidated Fund.

“The alcohol industry lobbyists have greatly influenced decision-making, but we are now focusing on mobilizing community support,” Dr. Lukwata said.

Dr. Lukwata highlighted that alcohol consumption in Uganda has risen from 55% to 62.7%, with many individuals drinking more than three times a week.

She attributed this increase to lax regulations and a taxation system that disproportionately favors bar owners over other service providers.

“How can bar owners pay lower taxes than salon operators or retailers contributing positively to society? This disparity promotes harmful alcohol use,” she said.

The Ministry of Health acknowledged significant gaps in the implementation of Uganda’s alcohol policies, citing limited funding, infrastructure challenges, and insufficient public awareness as major obstacles.

Dr. Kenneth Kalani, a senior official in the Ministry, emphasized the need to revisit the policy framework, strengthen enforcement, and establish specialized addiction treatment centers in all regions.

“Decentralized centers are essential to meet the growing demand for treatment. Training primary healthcare providers will enable them to address harmful alcohol use at the community level,” he said.

The Alcohol Control Bill also faced criticism for not addressing the country’s illicit alcohol trade, which accounts for 65% of all alcohol consumed.

The Committees of Trade and Health recommended prioritizing the fight against illicit trade instead of implementing the proposed bill.

Aruu County MP, Christopher Komakech, presented a minority report in support of the bill, emphasizing its potential to regulate alcohol consumption and related challenges.

“Restricting the hours of sale is a good step toward fostering responsibility among consumers,” he argued.

However, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka advised MPs to reject the bill, stating, “There is nothing in this bill that is not already regulated by existing laws except the time of sale, which can be managed through licensing.”

As Uganda enters the festive season, Dr. Lukwata urged young people under 21 to abstain from alcohol and called on adults to moderate their drinking.

She also encouraged prioritizing developmental goals over excessive spending on alcohol.

With alcohol-related harm on the rise, experts reiterated the need for collaborative efforts, strengthened policies, and increased public awareness to protect public health and foster responsible alcohol use.