A recent study examines how major alcohol industry actors, Diageo and AB InBev, utilise social media in Uganda. The findings reveal that these companies frame alcohol-related harm narrowly, limiting it to issues like illicit trade, driving under the influence, and underage use, while downplaying broader health impacts. Their strategy focuses on self-regulation and partnerships with the government, emphasising personal responsibility as the key solution.

The industry positions itself as essential to Uganda’s future, developing relationships with politicians and forming coalitions with farmers. This strategic positioning aims to oppose public health initiatives such as the WHO SAFER initiative and the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023. Despite lacking substantial evidence to support their claims, the industry’s rhetoric creates a narrative that obfuscates the true extent of alcohol-related harms and effective policy measures.

Source: Movendi International