Guests from the Uganda Alcoholic Policy Alliance were with the King's ministers, led by Hon Noah Kiyimba, who stood third from the right
The volunteers of the Uganda Alcoholic Policy Alliance, dedicated to advocating for the Uganda Alcoholic Control Bill, visited Mengo to apprise the kingdom about the necessity of the bill and to gather their perspectives on the matter.
Led by their chairman, Juliet Namukasa, they shared that their outreach covered various parts of the country, revealing that while alcohol holds significant cultural and traditional importance, local leadership is concerned about the potential negative impacts on social development if their people become alcoholic
Chairing the meeting, Noah Kiyimba, Minister for Cabinet, led the Kingdom in discussions with their visitors
Namukasa emphasised that the bill's primary objective is to prevent young children from developing oalchol addiction, a condition that jeopardises their lives and future prospects.
Hon Noah Kiyimba, the Minister of Cabinet, Parliament, and the Office of the Prime Minister, representing the Katikkiro at the meeting, acknowledged the cultural significance of alcohol in ceremonies like weddings but expressed concern about its misuse. He noted that drunk driving contributes to many accidents, hindering quick decision-making.
Minister Kiyimba also highlighted the involvement of many of the Kabaka's people in alcohol-related activities, such as processing, marketing, and cultivation of raw materials, urging them to familiarise themselves with the bill's guidelines for those engaged in such practices.
He assured that penalties for violating the Act and related issues would be thoroughly analysed.
While recognizing the problems associated with alcohol consumption, Minister Kiyimba emphasised that there are benefits if consumed in moderation.
The meeting, attended by Kazibwe Israel Kitooke, the Minister of Information, Communications, and Spokesperson of the Kingdom, Attorney General Christopher Bwanika, and other kingdom officials, addressed various aspects of the bill and its potential impact.