Uganda is consuming alcohol at an alarming rate, with the country’s annual per capita alcohol consumption reaching 12.2 litres.
This figure is nearly double the African region’s average of 6.3 litres and significantly higher than the global average of 6.18 litres, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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These statistics paint a troubling picture of Uganda’s drinking habits, which are contributing to a mounting public health crisis.
The stark contrast in consumption rates has raised serious concerns among health experts and policymakers, who fear the long-term impact on the country’s health system.
Uganda’s high alcohol consumption is not just a statistic—it is a growing public health concern.
The country ranks first in alcohol consumption on the African continent, with men consuming an average of 19.93 litres of pure alcohol annually, compared to 4.88 litres consumed by women.
This heavy drinking culture has led to an increase in non-communicable diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and various forms of cancer.
The harmful use of alcohol is also a significant contributor to injuries and violence, further straining Uganda’s healthcare system.
WHO brought these alarming figures to public attention, sparking widespread discussion. The data, drawn from WHO’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, underscores the urgent need for intervention and a coordinated effort to address the growing issue.
Without immediate action, Uganda’s health system may face severe consequences from this escalating crisis.
Interestingly, this WHO report comes after the Uganda Parliament rejected the Alcohol Control Bill, 2023 that sought to regulate the purchase, sell and consumption of alcohol.
The private members Bill that was introduced for the first time by Tororo District Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi in November 2023 also aimed to regulate the time and premises where alcohol would be sold in Uganda.
The decision to reject the processing of the Bill followed the presentation of the report from the Committees of Trade and Health by Hon. Sylvia Nayebare during the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
The Committees argued that if passed in the current state, the Bill would impose a financial implication on the Consolidated Fund.
“The committee therefore, recommends that this august House should not proceed on the motion for Second Reading of the Alcoholic Drinks (Control) Bill, 2023,” Nayebare said adding that, ‘this being a Private Member’s Bill, the committee is constrained to consider the proposed amendments that have an effect of imposing a financial charge on the Consolidated Fund’.
The committee also urged government to focus on the illicit trade of alcohol which accounts for 65 per cent of all the alcohol consumed in the country, saying the new bill does not indicate how it intends to eliminate the illicit trade in alcoholic drinks.
