UGANDA – Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has launched its annual SMART drinking campaign, placing a spotlight on the growing issue of illicit alcohol consumption in Uganda.
The campaign, titled “Drink Easy, Easy N’enya Lunaku,” emphasizes responsible drinking and aims to shift public attention toward the dangers posed by illicit alcohol.
According to NBL Managing Director Adu Rando, illicit alcohol accounts for a staggering 65 percent of all alcohol consumed in Uganda.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Statistics 2023 Report, Uganda ranks among the leading alcohol consumers globally.
Ugandans consume an average of 12.2 liters of alcohol per person annually, double the African region’s average of 6.3 liters and significantly higher than the global average of 6.18 liters.
Rando highlighted the critical role that illicit alcohol plays in exacerbating alcohol abuse in Uganda.
He stressed that without addressing the issue at all levels, the efforts made by various stakeholders would fail to produce meaningful results.
“All efforts by stakeholders towards SMART drinking are appreciated. However, they must focus on the problem of illicit alcohol consumption to see a significant positive impact,” Rando said.
The campaign also encourages responsible drinking habits among those who consume regulated alcohol. Rando urged individuals to pace themselves, eat before drinking, stay hydrated, arrange safe transportation, and advise expectant mothers to avoid alcohol entirely.
Uganda ranks among the world’s leading alcohol consumers, with an average consumption of 12.2 liters per person annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Statistics 2023 Report.
This figure is double the African region’s average of 6.3 liters and significantly higher than the global average of 6.18 liters. Uganda also leads East Africa in alcohol consumption per capita, surpassing its neighbors with 9.5 liters annually.
In June, NBL successfully trained over 400 local retailers in Uganda’s Bunyoro and Mbarara districts through its GRIT initiative – Growing Retailers Innovatively Together.
This program, aimed at stimulating business growth, provided training in vital entrepreneurship, digital, and financial skills, along with coaching on financial and stock management.
The initiative also included mentoring on avoiding illicit brews, aligning with NBL’s broader efforts to combat the challenges posed by illicit alcohol in Uganda.
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