The Ministry of Health has advised Ugandans not to take pride in being the leading alcohol consumers in Africa, saying that Alcohol dependence has imposed a huge burden on the health sector.

Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services at Ministry of Health, while speaking at Parliament on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, said that, Uganda is among the three leading consumers of alcohol in the world.

“Of late, we have been the leading alcohol consumer in Africa which has a huge burden on our health sector,” Mwebesa said.

Mwebesa advised Ugandans not to be proud of being the leading alcohol consumers in Africa, but rather be proud of the good health.

This call was made by several legislators and officials from the Ministry of Health during the commemoration of World Alcohol Day on October 3, 2023.

Sarah Opendi, the Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament denied the allegation that she had been defeated by alcoholics after being granted leave in November 2022, by parliament to table the Alcohol Control Bill.

According to Opendi, the drunkards have not defeated her, but cautioned them to drink responsibly for their health and the goodness of the community.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report 2023, Uganda is the African country with the highest alcohol use. On average, each person in Uganda consumes 12.21 litres of alcohol per year, with men being greater consumers than women.