Uganda’s Parliament has rejected the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, which sought to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This decision was made during a session on August 13, 2024, when Members of Parliament unanimously rejected the bill, citing concerns about its possible economic impact and regulatory redundancy.
Slyvia Nayebale, the woman Member of Parliament representing Gomba District, was among the politicians who welcomed the cancellation of this bill, arguing that other bills already included the majority of its contents.
“First of all, the already existing bills are already working, focusing on quality, which UNBS has been doing; they put emphasis on licensing, and people in big businesses like bars and clubs have licenses already and should not be subjected to paying for them twice. Some businesses also work at night, like those welcoming tourists. Therefore, we as Parliament have asked for the bill to be reviewed,” said Nayebale.
Economic implications were a concern for members because alcohol generates significant tax income and supports local agriculture. Finally, committee findings stated that the law would create unnecessary budgetary constraints and confusion over regulations.
However, legislators, notably MP Sarah Opendi, said that Uganda’s high alcohol consumption rates pose major public health dangers, with statistics indicating that an average Ugandan consumes 12.21 liters of pure alcohol per year.
The Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill aimed to regulate numerous areas of the alcohol industry, such as prohibiting sales to minors and regulating advertising and consumption habits.