Take a stroll around any slum area in Kampala, and you will not fail to spot a group of young men and women gathered around a local brew joint, drinking themselves wasted on various brands of illicit alcohol. As cheap as sh500, this alcohol has since become the “source of happiness” to these young people.
Sadly, Uganda is facing a growing public health crisis as illicit alcohol continues to claim the lives of young people across the country.
Health officials are raising the alarm over the increasing consumption of unregulated, toxic brews—many of which contain lethal levels of methanol and dangerously high alcohol content.
“We are seeing more young patients with liver failure, blindness, and fatal poisoning,” said Dr. Sylvia Akello of Mulago Hospital. “It’s not just occasional—this is widespread.”
According to a 2024 study by the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda (CAIA-UG), over 60% of alcohol consumed in Uganda is illegal and unsafe. In many cases, samples tested had up to 44% alcohol by volume, with methanol levels more than 10 times above World Health Organisation (WHO) safety limits.
Young people are the most affected. In districts like Kyotera and Arua, dozens of youths have died in recent years after consuming homemade spirits sold cheaply for as little as UGX 1,000.
“Some of these victims are barely 18. The drinks are sold openly in kiosks and street corners with no oversight,” said Rose Mutesi, a community health advocate in Wakiso.
Though Uganda banned alcohol sachets in 2019, illegal trade continues. Weak enforcement, porous borders, and economic desperation have fueled production and sales—especially in informal settlements and rural areas.
“Illicit brewing is now a livelihood for many,” noted Dr. Benard Etukoit, a public health researcher. “But it’s poisoning our young generation.”
Efforts like Nile Breweries’ Mind Your Drink campaign, launched in 2022, are trying to create awareness, but experts say more must be done. They’re calling for stricter enforcement, public education, and youth-targeted rehabilitation programs.
“We cannot sit back while our young people die from toxic brews,” warned Dr. Charles Tumusiime, a senior toxicologist, “This is a national emergency.”
In addition to the human toll, Uganda loses an estimated UGX 500 billion annually in tax revenue from illicit alcohol sales. Health experts and civil society are urging urgent, coordinated action to save lives—and the country’s future.
