Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
RUKIGA – The Rukiga District Resident District Commissioner, Zadock Kamusiime, has raised concern over the increasing levels of alcohol consumption among the youth in the district, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of the area.
Kamusiime made the remarks while commissioning an Alcohol Harm Prevention Project that will be implemented by the Uganda Girl Guides Association (UGGA). The project aims to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and address the rising cases of school dropout linked to substance abuse.
The initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2028, will be rolled out in four districts of Kabale, Rukiga, Pallisa and Kumi. In Rukiga District, the project will specifically target 15 selected schools at both primary and secondary levels, as well as surrounding communities.
Speaking at the commissioning event, Kamusiime expressed deep concern about the growing culture of alcohol consumption among young people.
“It is worrying that many of our young people are spending most of their productive time in bars instead of engaging in activities that can improve their livelihoods,” Kamusiime said.
“If this trend is not urgently addressed, it will worsen poverty levels in our district and compromise the future of an entire generation.”
He emphasized that alcohol abuse is not only affecting education but also contributing to unemployment, crime, and family breakdowns. Kamusiime further urged the Uganda Girl Guides Association to widen the scope of the project beyond schools.
“Much as schools are a good entry point, we must also reach out to the youth in the communities. Some of those most affected are not even in school. Awareness campaigns should target everyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Rukiga District Chairperson LC5, Robert Kakwerere, described the project as both timely and necessary, noting that alcohol abuse has become a widespread challenge affecting both boys and girls.
“Alcohol consumption is no longer limited to a specific group. We are now seeing even young girls openly engaging in drinking, which is a serious concern for us as leaders,” Kakwerere said.
“This project has come at the right time to help us tackle a problem that is slowly eating into the fabric of our society.”
Kakwerere also called for collective responsibility from parents, teachers, and community leaders to support the initiative and ensure its success.
On her part, Scholastica Kituyi, the Membership Recruitment and Retention Officer at the Uganda Girl Guides Association, said the project will focus on empowering both youth and women with knowledge and skills to combat alcohol abuse.
“We are going to train young people and women on alcohol harm prevention, life skills, and alternative ways of improving their livelihoods,” Kituyi explained.
“Alcoholism has contributed significantly to poverty in many households, and this has directly led to increased school dropout rates due to lack of school fees.”
She added that the project will also involve mentorship programs, community dialogues, and partnerships with local leaders to ensure sustainable impact.
“Our goal is not just to reduce alcohol consumption, but to build a generation that is informed, responsible, and capable of making better life choices,” she said.