Women in Greater Kabale District Consume More Alcohol Than Men Due to Domestic Neglect.

Kabale: Women in the Greater Kabale District are consuming more alcohol than men, primarily due to neglect by their husbands, according to a new study conducted by lecturers from the Department of Management Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at Kabale University.

Speaking at a one-day workshop held at Kirigime Guest House in Southern Division, Kabale Municipality on June 11, Dr. John Bosco Turyasingura, the study’s principal investigator, revealed that his team comprising two other lecturers found that women in Rubanda, Rukiga, and Kabale districts are increasingly turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism for domestic stress and abandonment.

Dr. Turyasingura explained that many women resort to drinking after being deserted by their husbands, often for unknown reasons, leaving them to bear full responsibility for their families duties traditionally expected to be shared with or led by men.

According to the study, 51.8% of women in the region consume alcohol, compared to 48.2% of men. Most female drinkers reside in rural areas, where locally brewed alcoholic beverages are easily accessible and affordable. Popular drinks include waragi, brown sorghum beer, and omuramba, with 33.9% of women reportedly consuming these regularly.

Dr. Turyasingura noted that the rising alcohol consumption among women has significantly contributed to poverty, with 93.9% of affected families experiencing serious socio-economic consequences.

He added that Kabale District ranks highest in alcohol consumption across the region, a situation worsened by illegal beer smuggling from neighboring Rwanda. Rukiga and Rubanda follow closely in the consumption rankings.

Dr. Turyasingura urged the government to increase taxes on alcoholic beverages and enforce stricter regulations on bar operating hours as a way to curb excessive alcohol use.

Meanwhile, several women interviewed after the workshop told our reporter that their husbands have abandoned responsibilities such as paying school fees and providing food, leading to immense stress and ultimately alcohol dependence.

The women supported the researchers’ recommendations, saying that raising alcohol taxes could also discourage their husbands from drinking and force them to return to their family roles.

According to a 2023 Ministry of Health assessment, the Kigezi Sub-region was ranked as the second-highest consumer and abuser of alcohol in Uganda.