Tororo Woman legislator, Sarah Opendi has said that the proposed Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 seeks to regulate, not ban, alcohol consumption in Uganda.
In a session with MPs from the Health and Trade committees, Opendi highlighted the bill's focus on protecting vulnerable populations and curbing alcohol-related accidents and HIV infections.
Opendi addressed concerns about the bill's impact on politicians, stating that once passed, it would prohibit politicians from buying alcohol for voters during working hours.
The legislation also aims to address the issue of unregulated alcohol, with Opendi noting that 65% of alcohol produced in Uganda is not cleared by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
The proposed bill covers a range of regulations, including the prohibition of alcohol sales to individuals under 18, law enforcement officers, and in public transportation.
Opendi also highlighted specific restrictions on alcohol sales during weekdays (5 pm to 10 pm) and weekends (midday to midnight), citing concerns about the high crime rate.
The legislator clarified that individuals remain free to purchase and consume alcoholic drinks at their discretion within their homes.
Opendi emphasized that the bill would hold leaders accountable, imposing penalties on those who provide alcohol to voters during working hours and campaign periods.
In response to queries from the committee, Opendi defended the introduction of a new bill rather than amending existing laws, citing the urgency of addressing the current gaps in alcohol regulation.
The committee chairperson, Dr. Sam Opio, dismissed objections from Busia Municipality legislator Geoffrey Macho, who questioned the attendance of MPs on boycott, ruling him out of order.
If passed, the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 aims to bring comprehensive regulation to the manufacture, importation, sale, consumption, and advertisement of alcoholic beverages in Uganda.
