Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has launched its annual SMART drinking campaign, emphasizing the need to address the issue of illicit alcohol consumption.
According to NBL Managing Director Adu Rando, illicit alcohol constitutes 65% of all alcohol consumed in Uganda.
The Euro-monitor Illicit Alcohol Trade Report 2021 found that only 35% of alcohol consumed in Uganda comes from regulated sources, with the remaining 65% being illicit.
This type of alcohol is brewed outside the regulatory framework set by authorities, both locally and internationally.
Rando highlights that this illicit alcohol trade is at the heart of the alcohol abuse problem in Uganda.
He stresses that without addressing it at all levels, the efforts made by various stakeholders will fail to yield meaningful results.
The campaign, titled "Drink Easy, Easy N’enya Lunaku," underscores the importance of responsible drinking and aims to shift attention toward the dangers of illicit alcohol.
“All efforts by stakeholders towards SMART drinking are appreciated. However, they must focus on the problem of illicit alcohol consumption to see a significant positive impact. For example, while the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 correctly identifies the problem, it fails to adequately address the issue of illicit alcohol,” said Rando.
He also urged even those who consume regulated alcohol to adopt good drinking habits, such as pacing themselves, eating before drinking, staying hydrated, arranging safe transportation, and advising expectant mothers to avoid alcohol altogether.
Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at NBL, warned that while the effects of irresponsible drinking are well-known, vigilance is crucial.
“We cannot normalize the alarming statistics surrounding alcohol consumption in the country. This calls for consistent efforts from all stakeholders, which is why we annually invest in the SMART drinking sensitization campaign,” he stated.
Njuki also acknowledged the contributions of other players, including the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association and the Parliament of Uganda, which continues to deliberate on various bills and laws to promote responsible alcohol consumption.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Statistics 2023 Report, Uganda ranks among the leading alcohol consumers globally. Ugandans consume an average of 12.2 liters of alcohol per person annually, double the African region’s average of 6.3 liters and significantly higher than the global average of 6.18 liters.
In East Africa, Uganda has the highest alcohol consumption per capita, at 9.5 liters annually, compared to Kenya's 3.4 liters, Tanzania's 9.4 liters, Rwanda's 9 liters, and Burundi's 7.5 liters.
In light of these concerning statistics, NBL continues to invest in its SMART drinking campaigns to remind consumers of the importance of regulating their alcohol consumption and the dangers of abuse.
SMART Drinking is about promoting responsible alcohol consumption knowing when to drink, what to drink, how to drink, and when to stop, ensuring individuals remain in control.