Africa-Press – Uganda. No Ugandan should lose their lives or health because of illicit alcohol,” remarked Dr. Myriam Sidibe, founder of Brands on a Mission, as she opened the first convening of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol.
This coalition marks a significant step toward addressing one of Uganda’s silent yet deadly challenges, which is the widespread consumption and sale of unregulated, unbranded alcohol. It brings together Reach A Hand Uganda, Brands on a Mission, The Uganda Alcohol Manufacturers Association, Next Media, and The Anti-Counterfeit Network, with the shared belief that protecting lives and livelihoods requires a united front.
Understanding the Crisis
Illicit alcohol is alcohol produced and sold by unlicensed sources. It is often brewed under unhygienic conditions, without any form of quality control or regulation, and in many cases, it contains harmful substances. Because it is cheap and widely accessible, it has become the drink of choice for many Ugandans, particularly those in lower-income communities.
The challenge, however, runs deeper than affordability. It reflects a broader social and economic problem. The consumption of illicit alcohol contributes to loss of productivity, gender-based violence, family breakdown, and preventable illnesses. Yet for many, it has become normalized, hidden in plain sight across both rural and urban communities.
A study conducted by Dr. Kennedy from Makerere University in Kampala and Arua exposed the depth of the problem. Findings revealed that 8 out of 10 people consume illicit alcohol, with the majority being youth who started drinking before the age of 18. Women account for 42% of those drinking it, while many men, especially those who are self-employed, spend long hours drinking during working time. These numbers are not just statistics. They point to a worrying trend of underage drinking, health complications, and social instability.
The Human Cost
For many communities, illicit alcohol has become part of social life, yet it is slowly destroying them. Families are losing breadwinners. Young people are compromising their health and future. Healthcare facilities are recording more alcohol related illnesses, while enforcement agencies remain overwhelmed.
What makes the situation even more complex is that many small-scale retailers are unknowingly part of the chain. Most of them have little or no knowledge of how to verify the authenticity of what they sell. They respond purely to consumer demand, not realizing the danger behind it.
Why the Coalition Matters
The formation of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol is therefore a much-needed response; one that unites key players across different sectors to create a coordinated and sustained campaign against this public health crisis.
Each member brings a unique strength to the table. Reach A Hand Uganda will focus on awareness among the youth, using its 15 years of experience in youth engagement to drive behavior change and advocacy. Brands on a Mission will lead efforts around behavior science and health communications, ensuring that messaging is evidence-based and impactful. The Uganda Alcohol Manufacturers Association will work closely with policymakers to strengthen regulation and enforcement mechanisms.
As Next Media, our role goes beyond reporting. We are committed to using the power of media to educate, inform, and mobilize the public. Through our platforms, we will amplify conversations, share stories of impact, and ensure millions of Ugandans understand the dangers of illicit alcohol. We believe that information is the first step to transformation.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
This initiative is not the work of one organization or one sector. It requires a united effort from government, private sector, media, and citizens. The fight against illicit alcohol is about safeguarding public health, protecting youth, and securing the country’s human capital.
Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, in his keynote address, commended the formation of the coalition, emphasizing that it gives a stronger voice to public concern and will support enforcement of stronger policies. He reflected on Uganda’s history in alcohol production, recalling that in the 1960s, Uganda Waragi was considered a crude, unsafe drink. Through partnership with manufacturers, it was transformed into a responsible and export-worthy product. However, he noted that while that progress was important, the problem of illicit alcohol has persisted and evolved, requiring renewed attention and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The coalition’s work begins with nationwide awareness and advocacy campaigns, research-backed interventions, and community engagement programs. The aim is to change perceptions, encourage responsible consumption, and support regulatory frameworks that hold producers and retailers accountable.
This is not just about reducing numbers. It is about restoring dignity to communities and ensuring no Ugandan loses their life or health because of something preventable. The coalition envisions a future where every bottle consumed is verified, every retailer is informed, and every consumer understands the risk.
As Next Media, we are proud to stand as one of the founding members of this coalition. Our commitment is to use the power of communication to protect, to educate, and to inspire action. Together with our partners, we will continue to raise the voice of awareness from the airwaves to communities until Uganda is free from the dangers of illicit alcohol.
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