By Kabuye Ronald
Ugandan lawmakers and public health advocates are rallying for the reintroduction of the Alcohol Control Bill, following its rejection earlier this year by Parliament. The bill, which aims to regulate alcohol use, prevent underage drinking, and mitigate the socio-economic consequences of alcohol abuse, is now a central topic of discussion at the Uganda Alcohol Policy Conference 2024.
The call for action came during a passionate address by Rose Abigah, the Terego woman Member of Parliament, who had seconded the bill when it was first tabled by Hon. Sarah Opendi. Abigah committed to not only reintroducing the bill but also mobilizing fellow legislators and stakeholders to ensure its passage.
“We are starting from where we stopped,” Abigah said. “When the bill was initially rejected, there was no quorum in Parliament and some MPs played political games. We will not let this issue slide. We will stand with Hon. Sarah Opendi to protect our people from the devastating effects of alcohol.”
The bill seeks to address the alarming rates of alcohol consumption in Uganda, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the highest in Africa, with a per capita consumption of 12.2 liters. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Uganda’s alcohol problem is growing, particularly among youth. The WHO and other health organizations have highlighted the negative impact of alcohol on public health, economic development, and social welfare.
Juliet Namukasa, Chairperson of the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA), criticized Parliament’s rejection of the bill, claiming it reflected an undue prioritization of alcohol’s economic benefits over the harm it causes. “The evidence is clear — alcohol is ruining lives, but Parliament failed to prioritize public health,” Namukasa said. “We hope the voices of Ugandans are heard, and the bill is passed to protect our children and communities from the devastating effects of alcohol misuse.”
Namukasa further emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to protect non-drinkers from secondary harm caused by alcohol users. She also pointed to the growing political misuse of alcohol as a campaigning tool, where some politicians use alcohol distribution to win votes, undermining efforts for effective regulation.
Dr. Hafsa Lukwata Ssentongo, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Health, in charge of Mental Health and Substance Use Control Department, highlighted the alarming prevalence of alcohol misuse in Uganda, now standing at over 62.7%.
She called for stricter regulations and increased taxes on alcohol establishments to curb the problem. “The disparity in taxes between bar owners and other businesses is unfair. Those who are contributing to moral decay by promoting excessive alcohol use should not be taxed less than those working to improve public health,” Dr. Lukwata said.
The Alcohol Control Bill has gained significant support from public health experts, but its future depends on the political will of Uganda’s lawmakers. Advocates are determined to push for its reintroduction and eventual passage, in hopes of addressing the alcohol-related challenges that continue to affect Uganda’s social and economic fabric.
