KAMPALA, UGANDA — A new white paper released by the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda (CAIA-UG) has revealed that a staggering 65% of all alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit.
The report, titled “Public Health Implications of the Harmful Consumption of Illicit Alcohol in Uganda,” was a collaborative effort with the Arrow Empirical Research Institute and drew its conclusions from extensive fieldwork and laboratory analyses conducted in Kampala City and Arua district.
The findings of the report highlight alarming trends, including the widespread consumption of unregulated alcohol, its dangerously high alcohol content, and unsanitary production environments.
Notably, 83% of patrons surveyed indicated they had consumed illicit alcohol within the week preceding the interview, underscoring the prevalence of its use.
Laboratory analysis of the illicit spirits revealed that most exceeded 44.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), with some samples containing methanol levels as high as 640.59 mg/L. Methanol is a highly toxic substance known to cause blindness, organ failure, and death.
The report directly links the widespread consumption of these unregulated brews to an increase in hospital admissions, mental health problems, domestic conflict, and addiction among young people.
Among men over the age of 25, the report notes a significant rise in cases of liver cirrhosis and oesophagal cancer, largely attributed to consistent exposure to beverages with high alcohol content.
The study also found that 13% of respondents exhibited signs of alcohol dependence, with four out of ten reporting daily consumption. Daily consumption was more common among men (58%) compared to women (42%).
The production sites for illicit alcohol are described as unsanitary, often utilizing dirty tools, unsafe water sources, and operating in deplorable conditions.
Retail outlets were similarly concerning, displaying visible signs of contamination, thereby increasing the risk of disease and long-term health complications for consumers.
“This is not just a public health crisis — it is a human rights issue,” stated Prof Myriam Sidibe, co-chair of CAIA-UG. “We are losing generations of Ugandans to unregulated alcohol produced under unsafe and unsanitary conditions. This white paper is a call to arms for all sectors from parliament to the pulpit to take coordinated action.”
The report further highlights the issue of counterfeit packaged products being sold as legitimate alcoholic beverages, deceiving consumers while evading taxation and safety regulations.
Sold cheaply in plastic bottles for as little as Shs 1,000, these drinks are highly accessible, with some users reporting consumption levels as high as 3.4 litres per session.
Of particular concern is the use of plastic packaging, which may introduce microplastics into the body, a factor research has linked to cancer.
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Niwagaba, a contributing public health researcher, stressed the necessity of providing economic alternatives. “We cannot regulate with one hand and ignore livelihoods with the other. Real solutions must pair enforcement with dignity through economic alternatives and community support.”
A particularly worrying finding is the high incidence of underage drinking. Despite existing legal restrictions, 19% of illicit producers admitted to selling alcohol to minors.
Alarmingly, 39% of surveyed consumers reported starting to drink before the age of 18. The report advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively curb the illicit alcohol trade.
“This white paper serves as both a mirror and a warning,” the report concludes, “highlighting the urgent need to address the socioeconomic conditions that fuel Uganda’s illicit alcohol crisis and work towards safer, regulated, and economically inclusive alternatives.”
