Earlier this morning, we held a press conference at Kolping Hotel in Kampala, informing the masses about the upcoming 5th Uganda Alcohol Policy Conference, slated for the 25th and 26th of November 2026 at Makerere School of Public Health Auditorium. Uganda is ranked 1st in Africa and 5th globally as the highest alcohol consumption in Africa, averaging about 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person per year, which is nearly double the African regional average. Alcohol has contributed to many of the mental health challenges contributing 20% of admissions in Butabika National Mental ealt Referral ospital and strain units across regional hospitals like, Gulu, Lira and Kabale. Alcohol abuse is costing Uganda trillions of shillings in healthcare costs and lost productivity and social and community devastation. (WHO, 2023) Recognizing the severity of these public health and economic crises, we (UAPA), through the 5th Uganda Alcohol Policy Conference ( #UAPC26 ), seeks to advance policy dialogue and collaborative action on alcohol control, bringing together stakeholders to examine existing challenges and identify practical approaches to reducing alcohol-related harm. Professionals, academia , religious & cultural leaders, hospitals and organizations are encouraged to take part, contribute their expertise, share practical experiences, and help shape solutions that strengthen healthier and safer communities.