Alcohol Control Bill: Artists Warn Government on Economy Threats

By BigEyeUg Team Stakeholders from Uganda’s culture and creative industries and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and have raised alarms over the potential consequences of the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill, 2023, cautioning that its enactment could severely undermine the nation’s nightlife and lead to significant reductions in tax revenue, dealing a blow to the economy. During their appearance before parliamentary committees on Health and Trade, PSFU emphasized the detrimental impact the bill could have on the country’s financial stability. They highlighted that the alcohol sector currently contributes over 35 percent of the tax base, generating more than one trillion shillings in taxes. PSFU representatives stated that the proposed legislation would not only jeopardize millions of jobs but also result in billions in lost revenue, potentially crippling the alcohol manufacturing industry. Dr. Julius Byaruhanga, the director of Policy and Business Development at PSFU, underscored that the repercussions of the proposed law would extend across various sectors, exacerbating economic challenges. The Alcohol Drinks Control Bill, sponsored by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, aims to regulate the manufacturing, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Among its provisions, the bill restricts the sale of alcohol to specific hours, permitting sales only between 5...