KAMPALA: The Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga has disclosed that Uganda spends approximately US$677,490,337 (Shs2.654 trillion) annually treating alcohol-related diseases, advocating for an increase in the legal age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 years.
“In the Ministry of Health, we allocate an estimated US$677,490,337 towards treating illnesses exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Hence, we propose including a provision to address the issues faced by alcohol drinkers in this bill,” stated Muhanga.
Muhanga presented these arguments during her appearance before the Joint Parliamentary Committees of Health and Trade to convey the government’s stance on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023, introduced by Sarah Opendi (DWR Tororo).
She emphasized that raising the legal drinking age aims to reduce the impact of brain damage during crucial stages of development.
“The legal drinking age serves as a public health safeguard, shielding young individuals from the potential dangers associated with alcohol consumption during pivotal developmental phases. Brain development continues into the early twenties, and exposure to alcohol during this period can have enduring effects on cognitive abilities, memory, and decision-making. Many regrettable decisions are made under the influence of alcohol, which underscores the importance of setting the legal drinking age at 21 to mitigate the long-term impact on developing brains,” Muhanga explained.
