Presented to Parliament for consideration is the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, a private member’s initiative aiming to regulate the manufacturing, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, the bill proposes the prohibition of alcohol sales to minors. Sarah Opendi, the bill’s proponent from Tororo District, mentioned during the House sitting on November 14, 2023, that the bill had undergone the necessary gazetting processes as mandated by law. She was granted leave on November 8, 2022, to introduce the bill.
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Despite lacking the certificate of financial implications during its first reading, as the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development did not approve it within the stipulated 60 days, the bill proceeded to the floor. Speaker Anita Among, while chairing the House, highlighted that invoking section 76(4) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, was necessary for the first reading due to the Minister for Finance’s refusal to provide the required certificate.
Having surpassed the mandatory waiting period, the bill is now eligible for discussion in the House. Speaker Among has referred the bill to the Committee on Health and the Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Industry for thorough examination and subsequent reporting to the House.
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