17% UNDER 17 UGANDANS TAKE ILLICIT ALCOHOL
A report released today confirms that17%of under aged Ugandan children consume illicit alcohol with most of these being school going children and from a family background of alcohol consumption.
Reading the2016sample survey conducted in four districts ofGulu, Kabale, SorotiandKampalaby straight talk foundation,Richard Imakitthe head of research and evaluation states that more than50.8%of young people surveyed had ever consumed alcohol, of these consumers17%were under age, with25%males and9%females accounting for the gender percentage in consuming alcohol.
The report continues to highlight that71.6%of the underage consumers (10-17years) know where to access illicit alcohol.
However, the executive director straight talk foundation,Susan Ajoksays, “ young people are the next generation and their well being is important for social and economic wellbeing of the nation with urgent solutions to the problem needed since alcohol abuse is now turning into a health and social- economic problem to the under age as well as the aged.
The director programs straight talk foundation,David Talimacalls for the use of national IDs to minimize the sale of alcohol to minors, banning alcohol sachets, regulate illicit alcohol which accounts for63%of alcohol on the market and sensitize opinion leaders about the necessary regulations.
Since 2014 the foundation has run a red card campaign in eight districts targeting 100 schools where young people aged between10-17have been sensitized on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
