Rev. Fr Joseph Sebatware, the Dean of Mutolere Deanery in Kabale Diocese, has slammed President Museveni and his government for reportedly failing to contain the rampant alcoholism plaguing Uganda, linking the vice directly to persistent poverty witnessed in the last 40 years in rural communities.
The outspoken catholic priest made the remarks on Saturday while presiding over the graduation ceremony of 218 married couples at St. Joseph’s Mbonjera Catholic Church Centre in Gasiza Parish, Nyakabande Sub-County, Kisoro District.
The couples had completed a one-year training programme organised by the Eden Mission, focusing on parenting skills, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and spiritual development.
Fr. Sebatware lauded the graduates for their commitment to strengthening family units but used the platform to highlight what he described as a national crisis.
“In the time of Idi Amin, people were not allowed to drink alcohol before 5pm. Bars remained closed during working hours, enforcing a level of discipline. Today, under President Museveni, I must say with regret that the government has failed to end alcoholism in Uganda. Drinks are available from morning to night, leading to broken homes, neglected farms, and widespread poverty. President Museveni has done well in securing peace and introducing programmes meant to lift our people out of poverty. But I want to tell you that without strict laws regulating alcohol consumption, people will remain poor,” Fr Sebatware said.
He attributed much of the region’s economic hardship to excessive drinking, noting that productive hours are lost and family resources squandered on alcohol.
Fr. Sebatware also directed criticism at women he accused of frequenting bars late into the night. He said that some women in Kisoro leave their husbands at home during night hours and go to bars only to return past 10pm.
“I criticize those women who loiter in drinking places, taking alcohol and only returning home at midnight. They abandon their children and homes, contributing to family breakdown,” he stated.
The priest also called upon local authorities to enact and enforce bylaws to curb excessive alcohol consumption in Kisoro District, noting that it remains a major contributor to persistent poverty among both men and women.
Attendees described the priest’s message as bold but necessary, with some expressing agreement on the need for stronger measures against alcohol abuse.
Representing Eden Mission executive director, Mr Kenneth Rwego, Mrs. Grace Akampurira Mutabazi, the organization’s Fund Manager, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to equipping families to live healthy lives, maximize economic opportunities, and become Christ-like agents of transformation. She challenged graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained to positively influence their communities.
The Eden Mission program is a faith-based initiative, aimed at equiping couples with tools for stable marriages and household prosperity.
Uganda’s alcohol consumption stats
According to the World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, 2018, it is estimated that Uganda consumes 12.2 litres of alcohol per person annually. This is much higher than the African region average of 6.3 litres, and the global average of 6.18 litres per person per year.
The Uganda Alcohol Report 2022, published by the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA) estimated that the number of alcohol drinkers had increased from 5.67 million to 12.67 million people. The total volume of alcohol consumed in a year was estimated at 110.6 million litres. According to the report, the average age at which alcohol consumption begins is eight years. Alarmingly, 53 percent of alcohol users began drinking before the age of 18. The report further showed that the Karamoja region ranked highest in alcohol consumption at 46 percent, followed by West Nile (16 percent), Test (14 percent), and Elgon (13.8).