The Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda Chapter (CAIA–Uganda) has taken its festive-season campaign against illicit alcohol to Arua, using community sport and grassroots mobilisation to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated spirits in West Nile.
In partnership with the West Nile Education Trust Fund (WNETF) and other stakeholders, the coalition on December 27 organised a community marathon in Arua City aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices while linking the fight against illicit alcohol to improved education outcomes.
The marathon attracted more than 500 participants from across the region and featured race distances of 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km.
It was flagged off from the Office of the Prime Minister in Arua and brought together athletes, community members, elders, local leaders and government officials.
Organisers said the event was designed to draw attention to how illicit alcohol consumption continues to undermine household incomes, health and children’s education in West Nile.
In many families, money that could be used to pay school fees, buy scholastic materials or meet basic household needs is instead spent on illicit spirits, often resulting in financial strain, poor health and reduced productivity among parents and guardians.
Health complications linked to toxic alcohol further weaken households, making it difficult for caregivers to consistently support their children’s education.
Speaking during the event, Arua City Deputy Resident City Commissioner Angupale Swadik Alemi said education is often the first casualty in families affected by illicit alcohol.
“When families lose income and health to illicit alcohol, education becomes the first casualty, yet education remains the strongest pathway to breaking poverty in our communities,” Alemi said.
As part of efforts to sustain community conversations beyond the festive season, CAIA–Uganda also launched a boda boda-led awareness initiative dubbed Ebiboozi bya Boda (Boda Boda Conversations), with support from the Arua City Boda Boda Association.
Forty boda boda riders were onboarded to engage passengers and fellow community members in discussions about the dangers of illicit spirits, safer drinking practices and healthier lifestyle choices.
A boda boda roadshow was held across high-traffic areas of Arua City to mark the launch.
Leaders of the boda boda sector welcomed the initiative, describing riders as key influencers within communities.
Awaku Swadik, chairperson of the Arua City Boda Boda Association, and Mahadi Yusuf, secretary general of the Boda Boda Union West Nile, said they were committed to ensuring riders actively spread the message.
“We are grateful to CAIA–Uganda for involving boda boda riders in this important campaign because we want our people to stay healthy,” they said, pledging to follow up with participating riders.
Individual riders also committed to the cause. Ismail Yassin, one of the participants, said he would use daily interactions with passengers to raise awareness about illicit alcohol and encourage safer choices for families.
Arua has in recent years recorded deadly incidents linked to illicit alcohol. In August 2022, at least 17 people died and several others were hospitalised after consuming “City 5”, a locally produced gin later found to contain dangerously high levels of methanol.
Although the spirit was banned and those responsible arrested, authorities say other illicit alcoholic products continue to circulate in the region.
Community members say the problem remains visible. Okuni Tamimu, a refuse scout in Arua Central Division, said discarded bottles of illicit spirits are commonly found during waste collection, pointing to widespread consumption.
Fatuma, a boda boda rider, said she recently attended a burial of a community member who died after consuming illicit alcohol.
CAIA–Uganda says it deliberately targeted the boda boda sector because of its wide reach and daily interaction with thousands of residents, many of whom are directly or indirectly exposed to illicit alcohol.
The coalition has urged adults who choose to drink to avoid illicit spirits and instead opt for regulated products that meet safety standards, while also safeguarding minors from exposure.
Through the Arua campaign, CAIA–Uganda says it hopes to reduce alcohol-related harm, protect lives and promote safer festive celebrations as the region heads into 2026.
