The Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (@uaia_ug), in partnership with @Euromonitor, has released a new report that reveals an alarming rise in illicit alcohol consumption, now accounting for 71% of the total alcohol market in Uganda - up from 69% in 2020.
The report, titled “Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in Uganda”, was launched at the @kampalaserena in the presence of industry stakeholders, government officials, regulators, and civil society representatives.
It paints a clear picture: illicit alcohol is no longer a fringe issue - it's a national challenge with far-reaching consequences. #EndIllicitAlcohol [1/6]
A few days ago, I had the honour of representing Uganda Breweries Limited at the inception meeting for the Uganda Chapter of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol, hosted at @reachahand and chaired by Dr Miriam Sidibe, Founder, @Brandsonmission
The coalition unites the Government, private sector, media, enforcement agencies, and civil society partners in the fight against illicit alcohol, which continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across Uganda.
At Uganda Breweries Limited, we believe that creating a safe and responsible drinking environment requires strong partnerships and data-driven interventions. Earlier this year, through the @uaia_ug , we launched the Euromonitor Report - “Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in Uganda,” which revealed that consumption had risen to 71% in 2024. This calls for urgent intervention from all players.
We were appreciative of the call to action by Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda, who set the tone for collective action, emphasised urgency and national responsibility.
We’re proud to stand alongside like-minded partners in building an Illicit-Free Uganda.
"When ten people - including two children - were killed by illicit alcohol in Kyotera District in 2023, there was an understandable outpouring of grief.
While the community mourned, @PoliceUg seized huge volumes of local brew waragi and @MinofHealthUG officials prohibited its production and sale.
But such a crisis driven response, while necessary in the moment, failed to address the wider problem, which still exists today." - Opines @emmanjuki, our Chairperson in @SoftPowerNews
READ MORE: https://t.co/PmVSXkxHUN
As we step into a new week, lets remain committed to promoting a responsible, safe, and sustainable alcohol industry in Uganda. Here’s to productive partnerships, smart choices, and continued progress in ensuring that our sector uplifts communities, supports livelihoods, and prioritizes health and safety. #HappyNewWeek
Alcohol knows no bounds and respects no one. It can creep into any life, regardless of status, age, or background. Excessive drinking risks your health, relationships, and future.The dangers are real. Moderation is key—don’t let alcohol take control. @uaia_ug@ntvuganda@PoliceUg
Tackling illicit alcohol trade: A collective responsibility for Uganda’s health and economy
This morning, Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (@uaia_ug) Chairman @emmanjuki and Dr. Julius Byaruhanga, Director of Policy and Business Development at @PSF_Uganda, appeared on @nbstv to shed light on an escalating but often overlooked crisis: the rise of illicit alcohol trade in Uganda.
The statistics are alarming. “Out of every 10 Ugandans who go out for a drink, 7 are likely consuming something unregulated, unlicensed, and potentially harmful to their health,” stated Njuki.
Dr. Byaruhanga highlighted the scale of the challenge noting that there has been significant growth in illicit trade, including counterfeit goods, tax-evading imports, and substandard products.
UAIA, comprising responsible players in the alcohol sector, is actively advocating for industry-wide accountability.
“As UAIA, we invite as many members as possible as we self-regulate the way we produce our products, market them, and set clear boundaries around their consumption,” Njuki noted.
The association emphasizes the importance of responsible marketing and consumption, with clear boundaries around who alcohol should be sold to.
“Anyone under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and individuals undergoing treatment should not consume alcohol. Therefore, alcohol should only be sold to those legally allowed and who have made a personal choice to drink.” Njuki added.
How does illicit trade affect local industries and our economy?
Our Legal & Corporate Affairs Lead and @uaia_ug Chairperson, @emmanjuki, will tackle this question and more live on @nbstv today at 9 AM. Join the conversation on industrial transformation in Uganda.
#NBSBreakfastMeeting
Our Chairman @emmanjuki will be on @nbstv tomorrow morning to deliberate on the dangers of illicit alcohol trade and its impact on industrial transformation.
Tune in and be part of the drive to eliminate a danger to health and economic transformation. #EndIllicitAlcohol
Our Director Policy & Business Development - @ByaruhangaJuliu, with Mr. Emmanuel Njuki, the Chairman @uaia_ug, will appear on @nbstv, tomorrow, July 31st, to discuss Illicit trade and its impact on industrial transformation. This, in preparation for #RIC2025 on 5th to 6th August.
It’s Friday - take it easy! As you kick back and unwind, remember: enjoying your drink should never come at the cost of your well-being.
@uaia_ug member companies like @UgandaBreweries and @NBLUganda are walking the talk - from the @RedCardUganda Campaign by UBL to Drink Easy #NenkyaLunaku by NBL, these initiatives continue to shape safer, smarter drinking habits, especially among the youth.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Pace yourself. Stay hydrated. Never drink and drive.
Honoured to be @uaia_ug#WCW
Thank you for the trust, support & space to lead.
It’s been a journey of service, growth & impact. I’m grateful for every step.
Let’s keep raising the bar together. 💪
Today, our #WCW is @tahakanizibwa - our outgoing Chairperson, who has led the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (@uaia_ug) with unwavering grace, purpose, and professionalism over the past two years.
We are deeply grateful for the steadfast advocacy and thoughtful guidance you extended to our members during your tenure. May you continue to soar even higher in this important work that you do so exceptionally well.
🍻 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩!
Congratulations to @emmanjuki on being elected Chair of the @uaia_ug ! 🥂 Your baton pick-up from @tahakanizibwa signals continuity, strategy & responsible growth.
May you keep the industry spirited & compliant! 🇺🇬
Time flies when you’re sipping legit liquids. After 2 yrs at the helm of @uaia_ug as Chairperson, I’ve peacefully handed over to my Vice, @emmanjuki
Grateful to regulators, UAIA members, trade associations & consumers for the support.
And to you, dear patrons, drink smart. Don’t drown in the liquids… I’ll be watching! 😉
UAIA Industry Wins & Strategic Priorities Over the Last Year
Over the past year, with @UgandaBreweries chairing the association c/o @tahakanizibwa, Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (@uaia_ug) made bold strides in shaping the future of Uganda’s alcohol sector.
From responsible drinking campaigns to tax reform and stronger anti-illicit alcohol enforcement, our focus remains clear; Build a safe, well-regulated, and sustainable industry.
Our 5 priorities were;
1. Responsible Drinking.
2. Fighting Illicit Alcohol.
3. Fair Regulation.
4. Better Perception.
5. Stronger Industry Unity.
Over the coming days, we will be breaking down our achievements in each of these pillars. #UAIA #EndIllicitAlcohol