Uganda tackles alcohol abuse

Parliament debates Bill to control and safeguard public health

Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | The lively social gatherings in Uganda, often fueled by alcoholic beverages, are facing a potential shift as the Ugandan Parliament debates the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill, of 2023. This proposed legislation has sparked a national conversation; balancing the desire for a vibrant social scene with the growing public health concerns associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

While weekend gatherings with friends over a drink are a common sight, the reality is that Uganda faces a growing public health concern.

According to the 2023 report released by the global health body, on average, a Ugandan consumes 12.21 litres of pure alcohol annually. Men consume more than women, with an average of 19.93 litres of pure alcohol annually compared to 4.88 litres for women.

Globally, a 2022 WHO study linked harmful alcohol use to over 200 health problems and at least 3 million deaths annually (5.3% of all deaths). This translates to 5.1% of the global disease burden. Beyond health issues, excessive alcohol consumption also creates significant social and economic problems. In young adults (20-39), alcohol is linked to a staggering 13.5% of deaths.

To address this, WHO recommends strong action. Building on the 2010 Global Alcohol Strategy, WHO urges authorities to take decisive steps in preventing and reducing alcohol-related harm.

While speaking on an X (Formerly Twitter) space organised by the Ministry of Health on March 13, Dr Hafsah Lukwata; assistant commissioner at the Division of Substance Abuse at the Ministry of Health, said Uganda is witnessing a rise in chronic diseases like liver cirrhosis, heart problems, and mental health disorders, all directly linked to alcohol abuse.

“The prevalence of these conditions is alarming and requires urgent attention,” she said.

Richard Baguma the head of the strategic communication and advocacy sub-committee for alcohol control initiatives at the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance said that while people in the brewing industry and bars have concerns with the bill, alcohol consumption should be regulated.

“The availability and affordability of alcohol, particularly locally brewed varieties, contribute to its widespread consumption,” he said, “In many communities, alcohol is deeply ingrained in social and cultural practices. Unfortunately, this normalisation of alcohol use perpetuates harmful behaviours and exacerbates health disparities.”

He added that in addition to its direct health effects, alcohol misuse contributes to social problems such as domestic violence and road traffic accidents.

He said alcohol-related injuries and fatalities place a tremendous strain on our healthcare system and undermine community safety.

“The unregulated nature of much of the alcohol consumed in Uganda makes it even more dangerous, as people may be unaware of the harmful additives present,” he said.

Alcohol has also been linked to mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder.

According to the Mental Health and Control of Substance Abuse division at the Ministry of Health, at least 1.2 million Ugandans aged 15 years and above are struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alcohol use disorder has been defined as a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences.

Dr Brian Mutamba, a senior psychiatrist at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, said alcohol and drug abuse contribute to 40% of all admissions.

“The rise of alcohol and substance abuse in Uganda is deeply concerning. We’re witnessing a surge in young people struggling with addiction. This not only devastates their lives but also strains our support systems,” he said.

To curb this growing epidemic and safeguard the future of the youth, Mutamba said the country urgently needs effective public education campaigns, improved access to treatment, and stricter regulations on alcohol and substance availability.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill was presented to Parliament on November 14, 2023 by the Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, to regulate the manufacture, importation, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The Bill seeks to repeal the current legislation that includes the Liquor Act, the Portable Spirit Act, and the Enguli (Manufacturing and Licensing) Act, all enacted in the 1960s, which have become obsolete to address contemporary challenges of excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The Bill also seeks to prohibit the sale of alcoholic drinks to specified persons, regulate the promotion and advertisement of alcoholic drinks, create public awareness of the dangers of excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks, and provide for the rehabilitation, counselling, and treatment of addicts.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health, with cabinet approval, formulated a National Alcohol Control Policy. This policy aligns with international efforts, following the World Health Assembly’s 2005 resolution for a Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.

Additionally, Uganda adopted recommendations from the 2014 UN high-level meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), recognising alcohol as a major risk factor. Despite these positive steps, the existing National Alcohol Control Policy needs more robust implementation to effectively reduce alcohol-related harm.