KAMPALA, Uganda: 18 October 2026— Key decision-makers, public health researchers, civil society advocates, and community leaders will gather in Kampala for the 5th Uganda Alcohol Policy Conference (UAPC26), scheduled for November 25–26, 2026, at the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium.
Organized by the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Makerere University School of Public Health, the biennial summit stands as the nation’s primary platform for addressing alcohol- and substance-related harm.
This year’s gathering comes at a critical moment for public health and economic policy, running under the theme: “Advancing Alcohol Control: Protecting the Present, Securing the Future” and “Beyond Alcohol Harm: Whole-of-Society Action for Health and Socio-Economic Wellbeing.”
The conference aims to spark concrete evidence-based interventions to protect vulnerable populations, enhance national economic productivity, and strengthen regulatory enforcement across the country. It seeks to advance policy dialogue and collaborative action on alcohol control, bringing together stakeholders to examine existing challenges and identify practical approaches to reducing alcohol-related harm.
Richard Baguma, the UAPA Vice Chairperson outlined five primary objectives for this year’s conference:
Propel Policy Action: Accelerating evidence-based policy formulation, review, and strict enforcement to operationalize Uganda’s National Alcohol Control Policy and substance regulation frameworks.
Promote Whole-of-Society Partnerships: Fostering shared responsibility and coordinated action between civil society, academic bodies, government ministries, faith-based institutions, and the private sector.
Platform for Research & Innovation: Facilitating the exchange of peer-reviewed research, community-driven experiences, and innovative approaches to prevention and harm reduction.
Protect Vulnerable Populations: Raising public consciousness regarding the social, health, and economic consequences of alcohol abuse, with a dedicated focus on safeguarding young people.
Boost Productivity & Mental Wellbeing: Highlighting how curbing alcohol-related harm directly correlates with improved workforce productivity, family stability, and public mental health.
“Addressing alcohol harm requires more than just clinical solutions; it calls for a whole-of-society effort to secure the future health and economic vitality of Uganda.” Richard Baguma stated.
“Alcohol contributes to 48% of the patients having cancer of the oesophagus in Uganda. This same type of cancer is among the top 5 cancer related deaths in the country. This shows how much attention we should give the alcohol industry when protecting our country”, Dr. Alfred Jetho, Head of Community Cancer Services at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
“Trillions of shillings. That is what alcohol-related cancers are costing Uganda in treatment. The harm goes beyond cancer: alcohol remains a major public health, environmental and social concern, & it affects mental health too. Dr Jethro added.
For ful event details, program updates, or registration information, visit the official conference portal at uapcug.com or contact the UAPA secretariat.
