Back in June 2019, the Government of Uganda Banned sachet spirits as one of the ways of eliminating unregulated alcohol from the market but Uganda still remains a hotspot for its trade and consumption.
In the wake of recent deaths of dozens of people in Arua after drinking an Illicit Spirit, with other survivors left blind and in serious medical conditions, Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (UAIA) launched an Anti-illicit alcohol campaign aimed at creating public awareness about the dangers of illicit alcohol.
This Illicit (unregulated/registered) Alcohol accounts for 65%of the market in Uganda and it is very dangerous to the health of the consumers and undermines the economic development of the country.
This Launch happened on 25/Aug/2022 at Silver Springs Hotel Kampala, in Partnership with Uganda National Bureau of standards (UNBS), Uganda Police and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
“Ordinarily, Alcohol is about happiness. Unfortunately, some people across the country have decided to give it a bad name by not producing and selling it the way it is supposed to be done. This calls for all of us to join the fight against this scrupulous trade and we encourage all our consumers to not only buy but consume only regulated alcohol to protect our safety and the economy.” Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit UAIA Chairman
“As UAIA, we are dedicated to promote Responsible drinking, self-regulation of our members in advertising and to work with UNBS, Ministry of Health, Ministry of trade and Uganda Police to eradicate illicit alcohol on the market. We encourage everyone in the alcohol industry to register with Uganda Alcohol Industry Association at our office in UMA show grounds lugogo or visit our website www.ugandaalcoholindustryassociaton.com ” Mr. Reddy Treasurer UAIA
“Illicit Alcohol sold as illicit brands or empty bottles of legitimate products refiled with cheaper alcohol & illicit home brew alcoholic beverage are not meant for Human consumption. Avoid it at all costs”~ Dr. Hillary Irimaso Physiatrist
“If the product your trading is of recommended quality & meets the market standards then you are mandated to register with Uganda National Bureau of Standards. But if not! then improve the product before bringing it on the market” Charles Seguya Snr Certification officer UNBS
“Illicit alcohol refers to all alcoholic beverages that are not complying with the regulations and taxes in the countries where they are consumed, resulting in serious health risks to consumers, revenue loss, and brand degradation for legitimate manufacturers,” ~ Clare Asiimwe.
