Margaret Muhanga, Minister of State for Primary Health Care has urged government to raise the legal age of alcohol consumption to curb the alcohol misuse among the youths. She discloses that Uganda allocates more than UGX2.654Trn (US$713,737,566) annually to address alcohol-related illnesses therefore advocates for an increase in the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
Alcohol misuse among youths in Uganda is an escalating issue that poses serious health, social, and economic challenges. This problem is compounded by various factors, including socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Recent surveys and studies reveal a troubling trend of increasing alcohol consumption among Ugandan youths. Data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and various health organizations indicate a rising prevalence of blast drinking and alcohol dependency among adolescents and young adults. This rise is attributed to a combination of factors including peer pressure, social influences, and the availability of alcohol.
Muhanga expounded that legal age restriction on alcohol consumption will serve as a public health safeguard aimed at shielding young individuals from the potential dangers associated with alcohol intake during the pivotal phase of growth.
“The brain undergoes continuous development throughout adolescence and into the early twenties. Exposure to alcohol consumption during this critical phase can result in enduring impacts on cognitive abilities, memory, and decision-making,” Minister Muhanga emphasized.
The health implications of alcohol misuse among youths are profound. Excessive drinking can lead to a range of physical health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and neurological damage. Mental health is also severely impacted, with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The interplay between alcohol misuse and risky behaviors also heightens the risk of accidents and injuries.
Uganda has a vibrant alcohol industry that produces a variety of drinks which include beers, spirits, wines, ciders, traditional beers, cocktails, kombucha among others. The list cannot be exhausted and new products are being introduced to the market.
Alcohol misuse among youths in Uganda is a critical issue that demands immediate and sustained attention. By addressing the root causes and implementing comprehensive strategies, Uganda can work towards reducing the prevalence of alcohol misuse and its associated impacts. Collaborative efforts from government, community leaders, educators, and health professionals are essential in tackling this growing concern and ensuring a healthier future for the country’s youth.
Meanwhile the Uganda Police Force has backed the proposal to impose a time limit within which alcohol is sold in Uganda. Asked Parliament to strengthen the provision by imposing higher taxes on bars, so as to control the mushrooming bars being established everywhere in the country, in order to encourage consumption of alcohol at home.
The proposal was made by James Ocaya, Deputy Inspector General of Police, while appearing before Parliament’s Joint Committee of Health & Trade to submit the Force’s views on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023, that was tabled in August 2023 by Sarah Opendi (Tororo DWR).
Joselyn Nakitto is a staff writer at SML News Ug with passion in health, business and current affairs. She can be contacted on 0709603158
