The World Health Organization published a report in 2004 that declared Uganda to be the world’s highest consumer of alcohol per capita – beating out Finland and Russia and all other countries that would seem to carry that reputation. 

This is partly due to the prevalence and widespread consumption of local brews, bears and other drinks that are made in every village across Uganda.

Not surprisingly, University students (even at a Christian university like UCU) are not impervious to the temptations of drink!  Students stagger through the gates late in the night, and some rowdiness has caused police to be concerned. 

More recently, drugs have entered the scene – marijuana, but other drugs are now available as well.

Doug will lead an effort in the next few months to carry out a study on campus of alcohol and drug problems and use patterns.  From that, they University will be able to plan a series of interventions.

What is sad in Uganda is that there are few or no self help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.  The Church has interestingly remained silent, perhaps with the belief that like other areas of “sin” simply converting wholly to Christian faith will stamp out alcoholism.  It may, and does for some people, but a more comprehensive treatment strategy is needed.

All of this is reminiscent of Doug’s prior career in the alcohol and drug abuse field.