Alarmed by the negative impact of alcohol on the nation's health, the Ugandan government is set to raise the alcohol consumption age from 18 to 21.
The WHO's report entitled "Monitoring health for the SDGs and sustainable development" outlines that 12.21 liters of alcohol is consumed per person annually in Uganda. The amount of alcohol consumed by the male population (19.93 liters per person yearly) far outweighs that of the female population (4.88 liters).
"We want to reduce on the number of people who are going to buy. We want to raise the age from 18 to 21," said Dr Hafsa Lukwata, the Ministry of Health Commissioner for Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
The minister is convinced that it is scientifically proven that raising the drinking age reduces the risk of addiction among young people.
"It is 88% chances that they will never take this substance. At 18 years of age, the chances are 48 percent," Dr Lukwata added.
The minister's statement comes during the second National Prefects Conference 2023, whose objective is to develop measures to combat drug abuse among students in Uganda, according to the local media.