The State Minister for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, has expressed concern that Ugandans are consuming more energy drinks and alcohol than milk, which is highly nutritious.
Citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation on milk consumption, the minister noted that Uganda’s per capita milk consumption stands at 62 liters per year, whereas WHO recommends an individual intake of 200-250 liters per year. He also referenced the 2023 WHO report, which ranked Uganda first in Africa in alcohol consumption, with an average consumption of 12.21 liters per person per year.
This prompted the minister to question the high consumption of energy drinks and alcohol. “What mineral values are in those drinks? Milk is very nutritious,” he remarked while addressing the gathering at the National Milk Day event in Nakaseke district on Friday.
The minister’s comments come amid tensions with Kenya, which has reinstated a ban on Ugandan milk products. According to the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) of Uganda, the Kenya Dairy Board has not issued export permits despite repeated applications.
In 2020, Kenya confiscated thousands of milk consignments from Uganda. Although the two nations held meetings and Kenya agreed to lift the ban, the DDA claims that Kenyan authorities have delayed or refused to grant export permits.
Minister Rwamirama asserts that Uganda produces high-quality milk, and with Kenya being a key importer, he is confident that the issue will be resolved and a lasting solution found.
