By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
ENTEBBE
Uganda’s medical experts have sounded alarm over the rising alcohol consumption among youth, warning that the trend is fueling drug abuse and worsening the country’s mental health crisis.
The warning was made on Wednesday during the 24th anniversary of Serenity Centre in Kabulamuliro, Entebbe Municipality, as the facility launched year-long activities leading to its silver jubilee celebrations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in Africa, with each adult consuming an average of 12.2 litres of pure alcohol annually, nearly double the continental average. Among drinkers aged 15 and above, consumption shoots up to 25.8 litres per capita, while illicit brews account for over 71 percent of the national alcohol market.
Despite a 2019 ban on sachet-packaged Waragi, psychiatrists say the policy has failed to achieve its intended impact. Dr David Basangwa, a consultant psychiatrist, said cheap 200ml bottles that replaced sachets remain easily accessible to school-going children.
“The sachet ban reduced some misuse, but these small bottles are still affordable to everyone, especially the youth. We need stronger laws targeting packaging and pricing if we are to reduce the harm caused by alcohol,” Dr Basangwa said.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the event, the Pope Nuncio Emeritus Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, also raised concern over the link between alcohol, drug use, and mental health. He cited recent studies showing that 24.2 percent of Ugandan adults live with a mental disorder, mostly depression and anxiety, while 22.9 percent of children and adolescents suffer conditions such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety linked to substance abuse.
The Laudato Youth Initiative (2025) further reported that 17.6 percent of school-going children battle depression, a situation attributed partly to alcohol and drug use.
“Uganda is facing a silent crisis. Substance abuse is eroding the wellbeing of our youth and pushing many out of school. This requires urgent intervention,” Archbishop Kasujja warned.
Government officials at the event admitted that substance use is on the rise but said a national prevalence study has not yet been conducted. Dr Hafsah Lukwata, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, said Uganda has only legalized marijuana for strictly controlled medicinal export, but stressed that risks remain.
“We are seeing an increase in the use of alcohol and cannabis, but as government we have not carried out a national study to map the full scale,” says Dr Lukwata
“On marijuana, it is not for personal use. It is tightly regulated and meant only for export under the Narcotics Drug Control Act. We have put in place regulations that are so prohibitive; that these drugs, when they are being grown, will not get in touch with the community,” she clarified.
She pledged stronger collaboration between government and private facilities like Serenity Centre to expand mental healthcare, urging the public to participate in the upcoming suicide prevention month and Mental Health Awareness Day scheduled for September and October 10, respectively.
Founded 24 years ago as a rehabilitation home for catholic clergy, Serenity Centre has grown into a national facility providing care for thousands struggling with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The centre announced the construction of a 40-bed dormitory for women to address the rising number of female patients, many of whom face challenges related to childcare and pregnancy.
Emmanuel Ngabirano, the Centre’s Executive Director, said this year’s silver jubilee will focus on empowering women to overcome addiction.
“We see more women coming for treatment, but they also carry family responsibilities. This new facility will integrate services that help them balance recovery with their roles as mothers,” Ngabirano said.
As debate on alcohol control continues, psychiatrists and religious leaders are urging government to fast-track stronger regulations to curb alcohol abuse, which they claim drains the economy, fuel mental illness, and derail the lives of young Ugandans.
