Karenga residents call for youth skills to tackle alcohol abuse
KARENGA, September 17, 2026 — Residents of Kangole parish in Karenga district have called for expanded youth skilling and livelihood opportunities, saying unemployment and idleness among the young people are contributing to excessive alcohol consumption, family conflicts and gender-based violence.
The residents made the call during a community Baraza on alcoholism and gender-based violence recently held in Kangole Parish under the STRENGTH project, implemented by Reproductive Health Uganda [RHU].
The dialogue brought together community members, local leaders, security personnel, a Community Development Officer [CDO] and RHU staff to examine the causes and effects of alcohol abuse and its impact on families.
Residents identified youth idleness, unemployment, poverty, easy access to alcohol and late-night drinking among the factors driving harmful alcohol consumption in the area.
They said limited employment and vocational opportunities leave many young people without productive activities, increasing their exposure to peer pressure and excessive drinking.
Community member Esther Auma said excessive drinking had become normalised in the community, with many people previously failing to recognise its wider consequences.
“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 money from essential household needs and contributing to family conflicts, domestic violence, child neglect and reduced productivity.
Auma said continued community sensitisation had helped residents understand that alcoholism is not simply an individual behaviour but a problem that can affect entire households.
“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.
CDO Andrew Lomanat said addressing harmful drinking requires more than sensitisation, urging stakeholders to tackle the economic challenges that leave young people vulnerable to idleness.
Lomanat encouraged young people to pursue vocational training and livelihood opportunities that can equip them with practical skills and enable them to earn incomes.
He also urged young people to engage in productive enterprises, businesses, sports and other constructive activities to reduce idleness and exposure to harmful drinking.
The Baraza also called for regular adolescent dialogues, stronger reporting and referral mechanisms for gender-based violence cases, continued community sensitisation, and enforcement of existing laws regulating alcohol sales and drinking hours.
Auma said the community was increasingly recognising the connection between alcohol abuse, household welfare and community development.
“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 conducted under RHU’s STRENGTH project, with funding support from the Danish Family Planning Association [DFPA].
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