Parliament has rejected the Alcohol Control Bill, 2023, which sought to regulate the purchase, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Uganda. The bill, introduced by Tororo District Woman Representative Hon. Sarah Opendi in November 2023, also aimed to establish rules regarding the times and locations where alcohol could be sold.
The decision to reject the bill came after a report was presented by Hon. Sylvia Nayebare on behalf of the Committees on Trade and Health during the plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
The committees argued that passing the bill in its current form would impose a financial burden on the Consolidated Fund. “The committee therefore recommends that this august House should not proceed with the motion for the Second Reading of the Alcoholic Drinks (Control) Bill, 2023,” Nayebare stated. She added that as a Private Member’s Bill, the committee was limited in its ability to consider amendments that would impose financial charges on the Consolidated Fund.
The committee also highlighted the need for the government to focus on combating the illicit alcohol trade, which accounts for 65 percent of all alcohol consumed in Uganda. The report noted that the bill failed to address how it would eliminate the illicit trade in alcoholic drinks. “The committee notes that while regulation of the alcohol industry is necessary, such regulation should be fair, balanced, evidence-based, and sustainable, taking into account the various stakeholders,” the report read.
However, Aruu County Member of Parliament Hon. Christopher Komakech, who presented a minority report, argued that the bill was essential for regulating the alcohol sector and addressing related challenges. “Restricting the hours of sale is a good step in creating a sense of responsibility among citizens who struggle to control their consumption behavior,” he asserted.
Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka advised MPs against supporting the bill, warning that it could lead to regulatory confusion. “I strongly advise that, in order to avoid causing regulatory confusion, we wholly reject this bill. The good ideas from this bill can be incorporated into existing laws where appropriate,” Kiwanuka said. He also noted that the only unique aspect of the bill—regulating the time of alcohol sales—could be managed through licensing.
In defending the bill during its second reading, Opendi emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from alcohol abuse. “We need revenue, but we also need a healthy population that will be productive in supporting this economy,” she argued.
Despite her efforts, the bill failed to gain the necessary support, leaving the regulation of Uganda’s alcohol industry to existing laws.
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