Illicit alcohol now accounts for 65% of all alcohol consumed in Uganda — report
65% of all alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit, a new white paper released by the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda (CAIA-UG) has revealed.
The report, titled “Public Health Implications of the Harmful Consumption of Illicit Alcohol in Uganda,” was compiled in collaboration with the Arrow Empirical Research Institute and is based on extensive fieldwork and laboratory analyses in Kampala City and Arua district.
It highlights alarming trends, including widespread consumption, dangerous alcohol content, and unsanitary production conditions. Notably, 83% of surveyed patrons reported consuming illicit alcohol within a week of being interviewed, underlining its high frequency of use.
Deadly Chemical Composition Laboratory analysis found that most illicit spirits exceeded 44.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), with some containing methanol levels as high as 640.59 mg/L.
Methanol is a toxic compound associated with blindness, organ failure, and death. The report links the rampant consumption of illicit brews to a surge in hospitalizations, mental health issues, family conflict, and youth addiction.
Among men over the age of 25, there has been a notable rise in liver cirrhosis and oesophagal cancer, largely due to consistent exposure to high-alcohol-content beverages.
The report findings show that 13% of respondents showed signs of alcohol dependence, with four in ten drinking daily. Daily consumption was more prevalent among men (58%) compared to women (42%).
The production sites are described as unsanitary, often operating with dirty tools, unsafe water sources, and in deplorable conditions. Retail points weren’t any better, with visible signs of contamination, raising the risk of disease and long-term health complications for consumers.
“This is not just a public health crisis — it is a human rights issue,” said Prof Myriam Sidibe, co-chair of CAIA-UG.
“We are losing generations of Ugandans to unregulated alcohol produced under unsafe and unsanitary conditions. This white paper is a call to arms for all sectors from parliament to the pulpit to take coordinated action.”
The report highlights that counterfeit packaged products are being sold as legitimate alcoholic beverages, deceiving consumers and bypassing taxation and safety regulation. Cheaply sold in plastic bottles for as low as Shs 1,000, these drinks are highly accessible with some users reporting consumption of up to 3.4 litres per session. Worryingly, the use of plastic packaging may introduce microplastics into the body, which research has linked to cancer.
Niwagaba, a contributing public health researcher, emphasized the need for economic alternatives: “We cannot regulate with one hand and ignore livelihoods with the other. Real solutions must pair enforcement with dignity through economic alternatives and community support.”
One of the most concerning findings is the high prevalence of underage drinking. Despite legal restrictions, 19% of illicit producers admitted to selling alcohol to minors. Shockingly, 39% of surveyed consumers reported having started drinking before the age of 18.
The report calls for a multi-stakeholder approach to curb the illicit alcohol trade.
“This white paper serves as both a mirror and a warning,” the report concludes, “highlighting the urgent need to address the socioeconomic conditions that fuel Uganda’s illicit alcohol crisis and work towards safer, regulated, and economically inclusive alternatives.”
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