Waragi (also known as enguli), a form of homemade Gin, is widely available in northern Uganda, even to children and youth. Alcohol availability is a major obstacle to improved health and sustainable development in the East African country.
World Renew, in partnership with the Diocese of Northern Uganda, identified alcoholism as one of the most pressing issues that has affected well-being in the Gulu district of Acholi, a postwar conflict-affected region.
Using the community organizing and mobilization approach, the partner community in Wakonye embarked on a drive to influence the key stakeholders reinforce the existing laws to take effect at all levels of local government, and to revisit old laws that are now not relevant to the situation. The goal: to end the ready availability of alcohol to all, especially minors. Read Tessa Laing's thoughtful blog post about this effort here.
Now this justice project is embarking on a new phase. "Wakonye Kenwa" is encouraging greater involvement by the wider community to create greater ownership of the group and its work.
The processing of Wakonye Kenwa's Alcohol Ordinance was submitted to the Attorney General's office in Kampala in March. Government action on it was delayed, however, as a new Attorney General took his post. In order to not lose traction individuals were identified in April to help advocate for the Ordinance's prompt return.
Non-governmental organizations based in Gulu have come together to plan for district-wide implementation and enforcement of the new alcohol laws. Work with these groups will continue over the coming months so that a comprehensive strategy is in place when the Ordinance returns to Gulu District for implementation.
Pray that the Attorney General will have the Alcohol Ordinance signed soon! But even with the delay, more groups have been attracted to lobbying for the signing and implementation of the ordinance. Momentum is still building!