Secretary to Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi has cleared Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi to proceed with the enactments of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023, after he issued a certificate of financial implication, indicating that her bill will not impose a charge on the consolidated fund.
This was revealed by Ms Opendi on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, while appearing before Parliament’s Health Committee that has started scrutinising the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023.
In the Bill, Ms Opendi is proposing a jail term of 10 years or fine of Shs20 Million for anyone found selling alcoholic drinks before 5pm and beyond 10pm on working days.
“Just yesterday, I saw the letter from the Secretary to Treasury, in response to our request for the certificate for financial implication and he did respond, but this has been overtaken by events, because we had to rely on our Rules that give the MP 60 days. And so, when he responds now to give me a certificate, with comments, it is beyond the 60 days rule. But the certificate was issued and it clearly shows that there is no charge on the consolidated fund,” she said.
Opendi also defended her proposal to impose a time limit within which alcohol should be sold in bars, saying the move is intended to reduce noise pollution because some bars are located in residential areas and whoever wants to drink beyond the legal time, they should drink in their homes.
“If somebody buys (alcohol) and goes to drink from home, we have no problem with that, for us we shall not control people’s homes, you are actually free. That is why we said supermarkets can sell alcohol from 10am to 10Pm, so if one wants to drink, you can go and buy from the supermarket, go and drink from home. Why do people fear drinking from home?” she wondered.
Ms Opendi also attacked fellow MPs who use alcohol as a campaign commodity, saying their actions are drowning their voters in poverty and it was about time they had an honest conversation about the impact alcohol abuse is having on the lives of Ugandans.
She said: “You are happy because you are MP to buy alcohol for people to just get drunk, you are actually making people drown in poverty, just because you want to remain as MP. We must be serious and tell people the truth, people must be able to work, be productive so that they can be able to take care of themselves and their families and we shall have peace and prosperity in this country.”
