The Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda Chapter (CAIA–Uganda) concluded its festive season campaign at the Katereza Festival in Mbarara City on December 31, 2025, using the popular New Year’s celebration to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit alcohol.
The festival, organized by Reach A Hand Uganda, attracted over 10,000 people from Mbarara, Rwampara, and neighbouring districts. Attendees enjoyed music, cultural performances, comedy, and a fireworks display that lit up the hills of Katereza as communities welcomed 2026.
Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, said the campaign was dedicated to victims of illicit alcohol.
“This year’s Katereza Festival is dedicated to all those who have lost their lives or suffered ill health due to illicit alcohol,” he said.
“Together, as the people of Mbarara and Rwampara, we are making a commitment to protect our lives and those of our loved ones by making safer choices against illicit alcohol.”
Performances from artists including Allan Toniks, Ykee Benda, Ray Signature, Ashaba Music, and Ragga Dee were used to communicate the campaign’s message.
Comedian Kachina, who hosted the event, repeatedly reminded attendees, “Pause and think before you drink. Eight in ten Ugandan drinkers consume illicit alcohol.”
The festival was the culmination of several community-driven initiatives. On December 29, CAIA–Uganda launched the Ebiboozi Bya Boda initiative, enlisting 50 boda boda riders as community advocates to discuss the risks of illicit alcohol with passengers.
Augustine Atwine, chairman of the Boda Boda Lugazi Market Stage, said, “On behalf of all boda boda riders who have been initiated into the initiative, we pledge to engage with passengers and colleagues to be cautious about the alcohol they consume because there’s a lot of illicit alcohol on the market.”
On 30 December, the coalition organized a community football tournament in Kempungu, Mbarara, involving six teams.
Daniel Assimwe, one of the players, said, “This tournament has not been just about the trophy or the goat we won. Personally, I have learnt that not all alcohol is okay for consumption.”
The coalition also used Reach A Hand’s Kwiso Mu Cinema initiative on December 29 and 30 to screen films depicting real-life community stories, sparking discussions on the risks of unregulated alcohol.
More than 300 residents participated in the sessions.
Recent research shows that about 65 percent of all alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit. Western Uganda, home to approximately 11.6 million people, remains a key focus for awareness campaigns. Mbarara City alone has an estimated 264,000 residents.
Lynette Bagonza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said government is committed to supporting the coalition’s efforts.
“We seek to improve the business environment and collaborate with industry stakeholders to build a vibrant, competitive, and inclusive alcohol sector,” she said.
“With initiatives like this, we can encourage legal and safe consumption while protecting our communities.”
CAIA–Uganda said it will continue its awareness campaigns across the country in 2026, including in districts such as Gulu, Mbale, and Jinja, while sustaining outreach in areas previously engaged during the festive season.
The coalition discourages alcohol abuse and encourages adults who choose to drink to opt for regulated products that meet safety standards, while protecting minors from exposure.
