By Steven Enatu
In the heart of Akoboi village, nestled within the Telamtot parish of Awaliwal Sub county, a tremendous transformation is underway.
Residents, once trapped in the throes of alcohol addiction, are emerging as Sources of inspiration, productivity, and resilience. Organizations like the Asianut Sobriety Seekers Association are playing a critical role in this transformation, as locals shift from substance dependency to self-sufficiency, thereby combatting the deep-rooted poverty that has plagued the Teso Sub region.
Alcohol consumption in Teso has reached alarming levels, with many residents succumbing to its grips due to economic hardships and peer influences.
Emmanuel Okoed, 30, a self-employed resident of Akoboi village, shares a story that echoes through many homes in Teso. “I began drinking in 2013 when my family was hit by financial hardship,” he recalls. Struggling as his parents failed to afford school fees, Emmanuel left home and lived on Soroti city streets. Here, influenced by idle peer groups, he fell into drinking, particularly millet brew locally known as Ajon. “The little money I got was wasted on buying alcohol for friends I could barely afford, just to please them,” he confesses. His experience with alcohol left him poor and stagnant, missing out on opportunities to build a future.
The turning point came when he met Asianut Sobriety Seekers through Sister Faith Atai and Lynn Beverly, a determined advocate from the US. Lynn’s message was clear: “It’s hard to stop instantly, but know when and what amount to take.” This resonated deeply. Emmanuel began saving between 120,000 to 300,000 shillings monthly, invested in poultry and piggery, and now nurtures a thriving farm proof that sobriety breeds prosperity.
Okoed’s story is not unique; many in the region have found themselves spiraling into poverty due to their alcohol dependencies. Money that could have been spent on productive endeavors was instead squandered on drinks, contributing to an unending cycle of destitution.
The government has acknowledged the burden of alcohol consumption on the community, implementing restrictions such as increased taxes on alcohol sales and limited operating hours for bars and liquor stores. However, these measures only scratch the surface of a more profound issue rooted in the societal norms and economic conditions of the Teso region.
During a recent community outreach led by Lynn Beverly, a volunteer with the Asianut Sobriety Seekers Association, the dangers of alcohol were laid bare for all to see. “Alcohol damages your liver, impacts your mental health, and can lead to accidents and family disputes,” Beverly explained to a group of engaged community members. Her emphasis on the importance of recognizing the dangers associated with alcohol consumption resonated deeply, especially with women who often bear the brunt of these problems.
Jennifer Adyao, a 57-year-old mother and community change agent, illustrated the dire consequences of long-term drinking. “For years, my husband and I drank every day while our home fell apart,” she said. Acknowledging the need for change, Adyao quit drinking, embraced farming, and began sending her children to school. Her husband, still ensnared by alcohol, serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive power drinking can wield.
Similarly, Joseph Odikor, a 39-year-old father of six, shared how a mortifying incident after a drinking spree prompted him to quit. “I vomited heavily, and my wife had to clean up after me,” he recalled. Determined never to endure such humiliation again, Odikor chose sobriety, which allowed him to open a shop and invest in citrus farming, significantly improving his family’s economic situation.
As the Asianut Sobriety Seekers Association continues its outreach, it empowers individuals to confront and overcome their addictions. Beverly often concludes her sessions by offering participants a “serenity prayer,” a printed note reminding them of their commitment to sobriety. “Many find strength in this simple reminder,” she noted. “It serves as a pocket-sized tool to resist the urge to drink.”
The challenges posed by alcohol in the Teso Subregion are formidable, yet the community’s response is a testament to the resilience and determination of its members. As more individuals join the movement toward sobriety, the fabric of the community is being rewoven with threads of productivity and hope.