Leaders Raise Alarm Over Rampant Illicit Alcohol Use in West Nile as Education Trust Fund Run Gains Momentum
Hon. Benerd Atiku, a founding member of the West Nile Education Trust Fund, has raised concern over the alarming levels of alcohol abuse in the West Nile region, describing the situation as a threat to the area’s core human resource.
“Alcohol abuse in West Nile is at its peak, with children, women, and youth all affected. Our core human resource is endangered because of alcoholism,” Atiku said.
“We need a clear policy to create awareness about the dangers of illicit alcohol. Awareness must go hand in hand with the apprehension of those involved in the illegal alcohol trade.”
He urged consumers to be vigilant and report any alcohol brands that lack proper labeling, warning messages, or the UNBS control sticker.“
Hon. Benerd Atiku, Speaking
It is in your interest as a consumer to report any alcohol brand without proper labeling and warnings,” he emphasized.
“I appeal to the police to open a special desk dedicated to reporting illicit alcohol. I have pictures of people selling unlabeled alcohol on a daily basis, especially in Arua City.”
Atiku further called for an independent investigation into why the illicit alcohol business continues to thrive in West Nile, questioning the role of regulatory bodies.
“The authorities are there—Police, URA, and UNBS. We need to investigate people within the system. There could be connivance, where producers of illicit alcohol pay off officials. We must establish why this business continues to flourish,” he said.
Patrick Onen Ezaga, Director of Communication at the Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda, urged the community to support the West Nile Education Trust Fund Run, noting its long-standing contribution to education in the region amid the growing challenge of illicit alcohol use.
“Thirty years ago, a small gathering of people from greater West Nile gave birth to the West Nile Education Trust Fund. Today, many doctors and engineers are beneficiaries of this initiative,” Ezaga said. “While we organize the run once a year, we meet regularly in Kampala and make monthly contributions toward the development of our people.”
Patrick Onen Ezaga, Dir of Communication - Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda
He expressed deep concern over the widespread consumption of illicit alcohol, which he said has devastated families and destroyed future generations.“
There is a plethora of illicit alcohol in our community. Productivity has been reduced to zero as the youth take refuge in alcohol. The worst scenario is a drug-addicted parent watching a drunk child walk home,” he added.
Athlete Tom Dradriga from Kei in Yumbe District said the annual fun run plays a vital role in identifying and nurturing sports talent among young people in West Nile.
“This fun run harbors talent, especially among young boys and girls. I am happy to be here to inspire and motivate them. Let us encourage young people to engage in sports,” Dradriga said.
Athlete Tom Dradriga
Shida Leni, an Olympiad athlete and champion of the run, highlighted the importance of discipline and balance between academics and sports.
“This run creates awareness, promotes sports talent, and supports the less privileged in West Nile,” Leni said. “To young talented athletes, stay focused, determined, and disciplined. Set clear goals, and above all, do not abandon academics. Without education, we cannot go far.”
According to statistics, approximately 65% of alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit, often cheap and lacking health warnings or labeling. In response, Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), together with the Uganda Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol, plans to conduct a year-long awareness campaign to combat the vice.Since its inception in 2024, the last Saturday of December has been designated as the official date for the West Nile Education Trust Fund Run.
BY: LAWRENCE MVADEYO - dailywestnile.info
