The cabinet minister for trade, industry and cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde has today asked the government to stop the importation of sachets used to package alcohol by July this year.
The minister said this today in Parliament as she was addressing issues raised by MPs during the debate on her Statement on the implementation of the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets.
In November 2016, the government asked alcohol manufacturers to stop packaging alcohol content in sachets by September 2017.
The reason for the ban was the danger that alcohol in sachets brings especially to the youth because of it is cheap and easy to access.
This was part of resolutions agreed on by the Ministry of Trade and the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association.
The association at the time asked the ministry to stop elusive alcohol manufactures not identified by them who were using lethal ingredients.
On Wednesday, Kyambadde acknowledged the existence of some illegal distillers who are home-based.
She pointed out that these distillers are the ones breaking the rules and distributing alcohol in sachets.
She also stated that these distillers also make products with the alcohol content that is above the threshold.
The Minister also made it clear to the Members of Parliament that the alcohol limit in any product is 40% and asked MPs to report illegal distillers in their constituencies.
Kyambadde further hinted on the amendment of the Enguli act which she promises will be presented to Parliament before the end of 2nd Session of 10th Parliament in May.
The amendment is yet to be approved by the cabinet and can only be presented in parliament after their approval.
