For over 12 long years, Susan, a mother of three from Kasese District, lived through a painful journey as her husband, Robert, battled alcohol addiction. What started as casual drinking with friends soon turned into a daily habit that nearly destroyed their marriage, their finances, and their peace.
“I remember the man I married — hardworking, caring, and full of dreams,” Susan recalls. “But alcohol slowly took that man away from me.”
Robert’s addiction began after losing his job at a local construction company in 2012. At first, he would drink on weekends to “relieve stress.” But soon, the bottles became his escape — and the drinking became daily.
Their small savings vanished. The children were often sent home from school for unpaid fees. Family and friends drifted away as arguments, shame, and broken promises filled their home.
“He would promise to quit every month,” Susan said softly. “He would stop for a few days, then start again — even worse than before. I cried every night.”
In 2020, Robert’s health began to fail. Doctors at Kasese General Hospital diagnosed him with liver complications caused by excessive alcohol use. It was a wake-up call for both of them.
“When he was admitted, I thought I was going to lose him,” Susan said. “That day, he held my hand and told me he didn’t want to die a drunk.”
After leaving the hospital, Susan sought help from a local church and joined a community-based Alcohol Recovery Support Group led by former addicts and counselors. They encouraged Robert to attend rehabilitation sessions in Fort Portal, supported by Rwenzori Counselling Centre.
The journey was not easy. Robert relapsed twice during his recovery, but Susan refused to give up. The turning point came when their eldest son, David, refused to attend school, saying he was “ashamed” of his father. That broke Robert’s heart.
“That day, I realized my children were losing their father — not because I was dead, but because I was drunk,” Robert shared tearfully.
In 2023, after months of counseling, prayer, and community support, Robert completed his rehabilitation. He now runs a small motorcycle repair shop in Kasese and volunteers to speak to young men about the dangers of alcohol.
Today, Susan says their marriage is stronger than ever. They attend church together and have started saving to build a small house.
“If you are living with someone struggling with addiction, don’t give up,” Susan advises. “It’s painful, but with love, patience, and faith, change is possible.” Robert adds,
“Addiction is a prison you can escape — but only if you are willing to face yourself and start again.”
According to the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA), over 10% of Ugandans struggle with harmful alcohol use, especially men aged 25 to 45.
The government and civil society groups continue to push for awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs, but many rural areas like Kasese still lack adequate treatment centers.
Susan and Robert’s story is one of resilience and redemption. It reminds us that behind every addict is a family fighting for hope — and behind every recovery is a story of love that refused to give up.
