The National Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) chairman John Mututho has vowed to mobilise parliamentarians in an attempt to have the alcohol drinking age raised from 18 to 21 years.
This, he says will ensure that only mature persons who will respect the stipulated drinking age so as to eradicate the growing cases of teenage alcoholism.
Speaking at the Salgaa Police post on Monday, Mututho regretted the recent fatal accident that claimed five teenage lives, saying that a lot had to be done to ensure that youth don't consume drugs.
"We need to review this age because at 21, one is more mature and can make more informed decisions. I will talk to my other board members to see how we will push for this," he said.
The Nacada chairperson further called on parents to be role models to their teenage children arguing that a majority tend to emulate what elder persons around them.
Five teenagers in a saloon car suspected to be under the influence of alcohol perished on New Year eve after the driver swerved off the road to evade an oncoming bus but lost control hitting a bus.
It has become a matter of concern to all stakeholders in the sector after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released shocking data that 32 people have already lost their lives in road accidents this year.