Uganda politics and alcohol

________________

OPINION

By Jackline Turinayo Baganizi

The relationship between politics and alcohol in Uganda is complex, and it is clear that the two have been closely linked for a long time. Cheap and unregulated alcohol, such as Waragi, is often used by politicians to influence people and manipulate communities.

Across the country, from cities to rural villages, both young and old are frequently ‘bought’ with alcohol during political campaigns and gatherings.

In Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo’s book, ‘What Died When We Lived’, he explores this dynamic in an article titled Sedating Uganda with Religion and Waragi.

While I am a religious person and choose to leave discussions on religion to others, his observations on alcohol really caught my attention. Spire notes, “You will notice today that the production of Waragi (gins) in Uganda is almost without regulation.

There are all sorts of cheaply packaged Waragi on the market. Though the bottles are littered everywhere for everybody to see, it is not the Government’s concern how young people are wasting away on these addictive chemicals. For as long as they can find sedative happiness in the liquors and taxes are collected, let them drink.”

These words illustrate a harsh reality: We have, in many ways, normalised the circulation and consumption of cheap alcohol without adequately protecting citizens, particularly the youth, from its harmful effects.

The production of low-quality, highly potent alcohol is largely unregulated, and its widespread availability ensures that even the poorest individuals can access it.

The situation becomes even more alarming when we consider how alcohol is used strategically during political campaigns.

In the 2021 elections, Stories emerged from different constituencies where parliamentary aspirants reportedly ‘bought’ political agents from opposing candidates by offering them alcohol during the campaign period.

On election day, these agents were invited to private homes or bars, provided with bottles of Waragi, and left incapacitated, unable to fulfil their duties. Some reportedly fell asleep, while others wandered aimlessly through the village, forgetting their responsibilities as campaign agents. This manipulation of human vulnerability through alcohol undermines democratic processes and reflects a deeper societal problem.

Another video went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, showing political agents in Rukungiri District openly serving Waragi to voters. The footage was shocking, not only because of the blatant use of alcohol to influence electoral behaviour, but also because it highlights how normalised such practices have become. It raises a disturbing question about societal values and civic responsibility

The social consequences of cheap alcohol are devastating. Excessive and unregulated consumption leads to health problems, including liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and increased susceptibility to communicable diseases. It also exacerbates poverty, as individuals spend limited resources on alcohol rather than on food, education, or healthcare. Families and communities are torn apart by domestic violence, absenteeism, and substance dependence. The psychological toll is immense, with young people growing up in environments where alcohol abuse is normalised and political manipulation is a routine aspect of daily life.

There is a pressing need for strict regulation of alcohol production, distribution, and marketing, particularly targeting cheap and highly potent liquors such as Waragi. Licensing procedures should be rigorous, quality control measures enforced, and penalties applied to producers of unsafe alcohol. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of alcohol abuse should be prioritised, alongside programs offering education and economic alternatives for vulnerable populations.

While cheap alcohol provides immediate revenue and a means of short-term control, the long-term costs - social, economic, and political are devastating. Communities are weakened, democratic processes are undermined, and citizens’ health and futures are jeopardised. The government and society at large must recognise these consequences and act decisively. If Uganda is to prosper, its citizens must be valued not merely as voters or taxpayers, but as human beings deserving of protection, dignity, and opportunity.

We face a serious national challenge. As a society, we must ask ourselves whether we will continue to let people be sedated and exploited for votes, or whether we will take a stand to protect the health, dignity, and future of our communities. The choices we make today will determine the integrity of our democracy and the well-being of generations to come.

baganizijackie@gmail.com