IRCU Calls for Stricter Alcohol Regulations, Including Licensing for Alcohol Transportation

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has put forth proposals for amendments to the alcohol control bill 2023, within the country.

They are suggesting an extension of the ban on the sale of alcohol in public vehicles to encompass private vehicles as well. Furthermore, the IRCU recommends the issuance of special licenses for vehicles engaged in the sale, distribution, and transportation of alcohol.

Joseph Serwadda, representing the Born-Again Faiths on the Council, presented these proposals before Parliament’s Joint Committee of Health and Trade, scrutinizing the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 tabled by Sarah Opendi, Member of Parliament for Tororo District.

Serwadda advocated for a broader ban on alcohol sales, suggesting it should encompass all civil servants, individuals already intoxicated, and pregnant women, rather than solely targeting officers in the security forces.

“The IRCU is of the view that alcohol sell and drinking should be restricted to both cargo and private vehicles also. There is need to license vehicles to distribute, transport and sale of alcohol,” said Serwadda

However, the IRCU expressed reservations about some of the punitive measures outlined in the bill, deeming them excessively harsh. Instead, they recommended implementing more constructive measures, such as mandatory awareness programs, rehabilitation, and socio-economic empowerment initiatives to address alcohol consumption and abuse effectively.

“The penalties seem to be more punitive than corrective in nature especially in respect to time of imprisonment & fines proposed. The IRCU recommends the introduction of corrective and reformatory measures to allow for reformation, rehabilitation, retribution, deterrence and restitution. Therefore, Parliament should provide for mandatory awareness, rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment programmes to reduce alcoholic consumption and abuse,” Serwadda stated.

While appearing before the same committee on Wednesday, Margaret Muhanga, the Minister of State for Primary Health Care, shed light on the significant financial burden caused by alcohol-related diseases in Uganda. She revealed that the country spends over US$677 million annually on treating such illnesses.

Muhanga proposed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 to mitigate the adverse effects of alcohol on brain development during crucial stages.

According to Muhanga, setting the legal drinking age at 21 is a public health strategy aimed at safeguarding young individuals from the potential harms associated with alcohol consumption during critical periods of brain development. She further stated that exposure to alcohol during this phase could have enduring effects on cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities.

While the bill seeks to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol, it has sparked concerns among stakeholders. Farmers supplying grains to alcohol manufacturers fear reduced demand for their products, which could jeopardize jobs in the industry. Likewise, artists in the entertainment sector worry about the bill’s potential impact on their livelihoods.