KARENGA — Residents of Kangole Parish in Karenga District have called for increased youth skilling and livelihood opportunities to address idleness and excessive alcohol consumption, which they say are contributing to family conflicts, gender-based violence (GBV) and economic hardship.
The call was made during a community Baraza on alcoholism and gender-based violence held in Kangole Parish on August 27, 2026, under the STRENGTH project.
The meeting brought together community members, local leaders, security personnel, Community Development Officers (CDOs) and staff from Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU).
Residents identified youth idleness, unemployment, poverty, easy access to alcohol and late-night drinking as some of the factors contributing to excessive alcohol consumption in the community.
They said limited employment and vocational opportunities have left many young people idle and vulnerable to peer pressure and harmful drinking.
A community member, Auma Esther, said excessive drinking had previously been viewed by many residents as a normal part of life, without fully understanding its impact on families and the wider community.
“Before RHU started conducting community awareness sessions and Barazas on alcoholism, excessive drinking had become a common practice in our community,” Auma said.
She said alcohol abuse was diverting household income away from essential needs while contributing to domestic conflicts, violence, child neglect, poor health and reduced productivity.
According to the Baraza report, alcohol abuse can increase the risk of physical, emotional, psychological and sexual violence. It also noted that money spent on alcohol could instead be used to meet essential household needs such as food, education and healthcare.
Auma said RHU’s community engagements had helped residents understand the wider consequences of alcoholism and encouraged them to discuss the problem openly.
“Today, we are seeing a change in attitudes. Community members are becoming more aware of the need to control alcohol consumption, support people struggling with alcohol-related problems and encourage one another to make healthier choices,” she said.
Community Development Officer Lomanat Andrew emphasised the need to address the social and economic factors driving harmful drinking, particularly among young people.
The CDOs encouraged young people to enrol in vocational institutions and livelihood programmes where they can acquire practical skills and develop income-generating activities.
They also called for increased youth participation in productive enterprises, businesses, sports and other constructive activities as a way of reducing idleness and exposure to harmful behaviours.
The Baraza further called for regular adolescent dialogues, stronger reporting and referral mechanisms for GBV cases, increased community sensitisation and appropriate regulation of drinking hours in accordance with existing laws.
Auma said the community had now begun to understand that alcoholism is not simply an individual problem but one that affects families and the development of the entire community.
“Most importantly, we have realised that alcoholism is not just an individual problem; it affects entire families and the development of our community,” she said.
The Baraza was organised under the STRENGTH project with funding support from the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA).
