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Leaders from Busoga, Bukedi, and Bugisu Unite Behind Alcohol Regulation Bill

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Leaders from Busoga, Bukedi, and Bugisu Unite Behind Alcohol Regulation Bill
MP Sarah Opendi takes local leaders through the essence of the Bill

Religious, cultural, security, and political leaders from the Bugisu, Busoga, and Bukedi subregions have rallied behind the Alcohol Regulation Bill spearheaded by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Achieng Opendi.

During a stakeholders' meeting held in Tororo, the leaders expressed grave concerns about the unregulated consumption of alcohol, which they blame for underdevelopment, health crises, and rising road accidents in the region.

Opendi highlighted the urgency of enacting legislation, citing the ineffectiveness of Uganda's 2019 Alcohol Control Policy due to the lack of legal enforcement mechanisms.

"Parliament considered this bill for a second reading without quorum. I am petitioning the Speaker to have it reconsidered," Opendi said. "We cannot implement the Alcohol Control Policy without a law to support it."

The meeting brought together leaders from diverse sectors, who underscored the far-reaching impact of alcohol abuse on families and communities.

Bishop Samuel Bogere Eggesa of Bukedi Diocese decried the misplaced priorities of families affected by excessive drinking.

"Our children can't be fed at school, but parents can afford to drink every hour," Bishop Eggesa noted. "To the MPs, when this bill is brought to you, please support it. After all, we are not stopping drinking but regulating it."

Busia District Chairperson Stephen Wasike Mugeni pointed to cross-border influences as exacerbating the issue.

"Our neighbors from Kenya are drinking in Uganda from morning till evening, influencing our people. This happens because we lack laws to regulate alcohol consumption. We must act now," he urged.

Medical experts and law enforcement officers also joined the call for action. Dr. Alfred Jatho from the Uganda Cancer Institute linked rising cancer cases to harmful chemicals in unregulated alcohol.

Police reports further revealed that alcohol-related road accidents claimed 70 lives and left 329 people injured last year.

"Our report indicates that driving under the influence of alcohol is a major cause of road accidents," said Moses Mugwe, the Bukedi South Police Spokesperson.

Opendi cited a recent tragedy in which a two-year-old child died after consuming alcohol, attributing the incident to parental negligence and unregulated roadside alcohol sales.

"Alcohol vending along roadsides has become a booming business, contributing to road fatalities," she said.

The stakeholders unanimously resolved to support Opendi’s renewed push for the Alcohol Regulation Bill. They expressed hope that the legislation would curb the harmful effects of unregulated alcohol consumption and foster health, safety, and development in Eastern Uganda.

The Alcohol Regulation Bill aims to impose stricter controls on the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol, addressing its adverse impact on society.

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