Uganda Breweries Limited has kicked off a bold new campaign dubbed “Eyo Red Card,” targeting the nation’s escalating alcohol misuse. The campaign delivers a clear message: drink smart, stay safe, and never get behind the wheel under the influence.
Uganda ranks among the world’s heaviest alcohol consumers. According to the WHO’s 2018 Global Alcohol Report, the average Ugandan drinks 12.21 liters of pure alcohol annually—almost double the continental average.
And recent stats from the Ministry of Health reveal that over 62% of Ugandans consume alcohol, many drinking more than three times a week.
Against this backdrop, UBL’s campaign arrives not just as timely—but as critical.
“We believe drinking responsibly is the cornerstone of a good time,” said Sheila Sabune, UBL’s Corporate Relations Director, during the campaign’s launch. “Through ‘Eyo Red Card,’ we’re asking Ugandans to pace themselves, set limits, and most importantly, never drink and drive.”
The campaign borrows the imagery of a referee’s red card—signaling a foul—to flag reckless drinking behavior. UBL hopes this visual cue becomes a powerful reminder to think twice before acting irresponsibly.
Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, lent his voice to the effort, praising UBL for taking action:
“We’re usually seen when tragedy strikes. But with initiatives like Eyo Red Card, we hope to be seen less on accident scenes and more in prevention campaigns.”
He stressed that road safety is a shared duty, and community-wide involvement is essential.
Adding further weight to the initiative, Brenda Kobutungi, UBL’s Corporate Relations Manager for Positive Drinking, emphasized education and mindset shifts.
“Our goal is to make responsible drinking tips mainstream,” she noted. “We’re building a culture where having a good time doesn’t come at the cost of safety.”
With Easter and other celebratory seasons drawing near, the Eyo Red Card campaign is strategically timed. UBL plans to roll out educational materials, partner with local influencers, and engage communities through outreach events.
In a nation where nightlife thrives and alcohol plays a major social role, this campaign could be a game-changer. But its real success will depend on whether everyday Ugandans take the message to heart.
The red card has been raised—will Uganda listen?
