Activists Demand Urgent Action as Alcohol Abuse Tightens Grip on Kampala Youth

Civil society actors warn that rising alcohol dependency among young people in Kampala’s informal settlements is fuelling illness, unemployment, and social breakdown, calling for urgent policy action, community sensitisation, and economic alternatives.

Civil society activists under the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance have called on the government, religious leaders, and Members of Parliament to intensify efforts to combat excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among young people in urban communities.

Speaking during a community outreach campaign across several ghettos in Kampala Central, the alliance’s Executive Director, Juliet Namukasa, stressed the urgency of scaling up public awareness on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

“We call upon the government and leaders at all levels to go back to their communities and educate people, especially the youth, about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption,” Namukasa said.

“If serious measures are taken to reduce alcohol abuse, Uganda will have a healthier and more productive future.”

The campaign involved activists moving through densely populated communities, engaging residents on the health and social risks associated with alcohol use, and offering guidance on overcoming addiction.

Organisers expressed concern that alcohol consumption has increasingly become a coping mechanism for many Ugandans, with some substituting it for basic needs such as food.

This, they warned, is exposing communities to chronic illnesses, declining productivity, and social disintegration.

In Kakajjo, a suburb of Kisenyi, several youths admitted they are struggling with addiction but feel trapped by limited economic opportunities.

“We are honestly tired of drinking, but we don’t know what else to do,” one youth said. “There are no jobs, and alcohol is the easiest thing to turn to.”

Another resident, Sofie Nake, shared her frustration after repeated failed attempts to secure employment.

“I tried looking for jobs but couldn’t find any. In the end, I resorted to drinking because alcohol is always available,” she said.

Local youth leader Owen Mubiru linked the growing alcohol crisis to rising cases of death and violence in the area.

“People here drink excessively without even eating. Many end up collapsing or getting involved in fights while intoxicated,” Mubiru said. “We are losing lives because of alcohol.”

He urged the government to fast-track policy interventions, including higher taxes on alcoholic beverages to reduce accessibility and consumption.

“We appeal to the government to act quickly. Stronger regulations can help save lives in communities like ours,” he added.

Beyond awareness campaigns, affected youths called for practical interventions such as job creation programmes to provide alternatives to alcohol dependency.

As part of the outreach, activists also distributed T-shirts for the Kabaka Birthday Run, encouraging young people to participate as a way of promoting healthier lifestyles.

The Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance says it will continue advocating for stronger policies and community-based interventions to address what it describes as a growing public health and social crisis.