MAKERERE -Members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) , private sector and representatives from government Ministries and Agencies have come together to discuss the related with unregulated alcohol consumption as well as means through which alcohol production and consumption can be regulated in Uganda.
During the 4th Annual Alcohol Policy Conference held at Makerere University in Kampala, the participants noted that many people tend to focus on the little economic benefits that comes from the alcohol and forget its effects to the community as well as permanent damage to human beings.
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“Alcohol consumption is high especially among the poor because many of these rely on hand outs, they receive free money which is not budgeted for an they end up spending it on booze and relax. Imagine if some one is abruptly given free 5000 shillings, in most cases the first thing that will come into this person’s head will be alcohol.”
He therefore suggested that as one of the measures to reduce on the unregulated alcohol consumption, there is a need to avoid it on cultural functions like Child naming, marriage and others where at times it’s seen as a sign of prestige.
“It (Alcohol) should be addressed from the educational angle , you are just taught how to pass exams and how to live a better life. Many children are taught that alcohol is bad but not in a detailed manner and with this many children end up becoming drunkards at a later stage.”
Juliet Namukasa , the chairperson
Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance expressed her dismay with the way Parliament kicked out the
Alcohol Control Bill, 2023 which had been introduced with a view of
Regulating the purchase, sell and consumption of alcohol.
“We are looking for evidence which can be produced before Parliament
To prove that alcohol has had a lot of negative effects to Ugandans. Here we have the Ministry of Education, Health and Gender with each pointing out the way how they have been affected as well as the solutions they have introduced to over come those challenges.”
Munaaba Edward Paul , the Minister in charge General duties in the office of Prime Minister in Busoga Kingdom, asked the youth especially from his home area to always engage in developmental activities than wasting their youthful income on alcohol.
“Wherever there are drunkards, there is a lot of poverty. We are happy that we are among the kingdoms led by a well educated King who always encourages to work hard.”
Munaaba also emphasized the need to have clear regulations on alcohol especially in some parts Busoga region where people don’t have stipulated time for drinking , as well as alcoholic drinks on market without known alcoholic content.
