Parliament has rejected the Alcohol Control Bill, 2023, which sought to regulate the purchase, sale, and consumption of alcohol in Uganda.
The bill, a private member’s proposal, was first introduced by Tororo District Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi, in November 2023.
It aimed to control the times and locations where alcohol could be sold in the country.
The decision to reject the bill came after a report was presented by the Committees on Trade and Health, delivered by Hon. Sylvia Nayebare, during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
The Committees argued that passing the bill in its current form would have financial implications for the Consolidated Fund.
“The committee therefore recommends that this august House should not proceed with the motion for the Second Reading of the Alcoholic Drinks (Control) Bill, 2023,” Nayebare stated.
She added, “As this is a Private Member’s Bill, the committee is constrained in considering the proposed amendments that would impose a financial charge on the Consolidated Fund.”
Additionally, the committee urged the government to focus on addressing the illicit alcohol trade, which accounts for 65 percent of all alcohol consumed in Uganda, noting that the bill does not adequately address this issue.
“The committee notes that while regulation of the alcohol industry is beneficial, such regulation should be fair, balanced, evidence-based, and sustainable, considering the interests of various stakeholders,” the report stated.
However, Aruu County Member of Parliament, Hon. Christopher Komakech, who presented a minority report, argued that the bill is necessary to regulate the sector and address related challenges.
“Restricting the hours of sale is a good step in fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens who struggle with controlling their alcohol consumption,” he asserted.
The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, advised MPs against debating the bill further.
“I strongly advise and pray that, to avoid regulatory confusion, we wholly reject this bill. The good ideas we have identified in this bill can be incorporated into existing laws where appropriate,” Kiwanuka said, adding that the unique aspect of the bill—regulating the hours of alcohol sales—could be managed through licensing.
In her defense of the bill during the second reading, Opendi emphasized that its intent was to protect consumers from alcohol abuse.
“We need revenue, but we also need a healthy population that will be productive to support this economy,” she argued.
