A study conducted by researchers from Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kabale University and the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Metanoia Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, has revealed high levels of alcohol use disorder among communities living around Lake Bunyonyi, raising concerns about the social, economic and health risks linked to excessive alcohol consumption in the area.
The research was carried out in Hamuhambo Town Council, Muko Sub- County and Kitumba Sub- County across Rubanda District and Kabale District. Researchers sampled 10 households per village in 34 villages, generating a total of 340 participants.
Respondents were initially screened using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Individuals who scored above eight qualified for further assessment, with results categorised into mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder.
Findings show that 52 percent of participants were from Rubanda District, while 49 percent were from Kabale District. Researchers attributed the slightly higher representation from Rubanda to the greater number of sampling points selected there.
Gender analysis indicated that 29 percent of alcohol use disorder cases were among men, compared to 9 percent among women. However, researchers cautioned that the results may not be fully generalizable due to the study’s limited geographic scope.
The study also identified commonly consumed alcoholic beverages in the area. Local spirits such as waragi and omuramba were preferred over packaged drinks. Notably, the majority of alcohol users, about 99 percent were aged between 25 and 34 years.
Speaking to our reporter, Ivan Nabisingura, a clinical psychologist and director of Metanoia Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, emphasized the need to normalize conversations around mental health.
He noted that alcohol abuse is associated with conditions such as alcohol-induced depression, psychosis, hallucinations, epilepsy-related complications and memory loss. He warned that excessive alcohol consumption can impair brain function and undermine long-term productivity.
Nabisingura stressed that mental illness should be treated like any other medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, and urged communities to reduce stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
He further encouraged the public to make use of available mental health services, including rehabilitation facilities, counselling centers and community-based mental wellness clinics, noting that strengthening access to such services can significantly reduce alcohol-related harm and psychological distress.
CUE IN NABISINGURA……ON THE MATTER……RR/ENG//
