Editor
The Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, has strongly criticized the alarming increase in alcohol consumption in Uganda, attributing it to various societal issues such as heightened poverty, increased instances of sexual activity, and related vices.
According to the May 2023 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda’s alcohol consumption rate is 12.21 liters per capita per year, significantly higher than the African average of 6.3 liters per person per year. The report also highlights that Ugandan men consume more alcohol than women, with an estimated 19.93 liters of pure alcohol consumed annually by men, compared to 4.88 liters by women.
During his Christmas message at the Diocesan headquarters on Rugarama hill, northern Division of Kabale Municipality, Bishop Akanjuna called for divine intervention to address this pervasive issue, especially during the festive season. He emphasized the negative impact of widespread alcohol consumption on both productivity and family well-being, describing the situation as absurd.
Bishop Akanjuna urged fellow Ugandans to adopt a lifestyle that goes beyond the pitfalls of excessive alcohol consumption, advocating for a collective effort to break free from the chains of this vice.
