Experts have urged Ugandan Parliament to pass the Alcohol Control Bill into law. Additionally, this has been based on the high cost of treating people battling alcohol dependence and abuse.
However, while appearing before the Health Committee of Parliament, experts said that on average, each patient requires Shs2 million monthly and Shs24 million annually for treatment in a rehabilitation facility.
On Wednesday, NBL slammed the bill, saying that once passed, it would affect the night economy.
This private member bill, entitled the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, was presented to Parliament by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, seeking to regulate the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Albert Elwa, a former alcohol abuser, called for the establishment of more rehabilitation centers to save lives, saying he received rehabilitation for alcohol abuse for 15 years and ended up losing his oesophagus after acquiring esophageal cancer of the oesophagus. He added that in Uganda, 4-5 million of the 45 million people depend on alcohol.
In conclusion, he says this calls for rehabilitation centers, hence calling for an alcohol fund that will support enforcement and also support initiatives towards treatment.
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Feel free to ask