Drug Abuse is Destroying the youth. Law Makers remind Gov't to enforce the law

Statistics reveal that between the daily unit cost to treat drug addictions ranges between 200,000shs. to 250,000shs yet rehabilitation services remain inadequate

Members of Parliament have reminded the government, through the Ministry of Health, to enforce regulations under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, which was signed into law by the President in 2023.  

Among the key provisions are prohibitions on cultivating, selling, transporting, smuggling, and consuming marijuana. However, the Minister of Health is mandated to issue licenses for growing cannabis strictly for medicinal purposes. Violators face severe penalties, including a fine of up to ten million shillings, a prison sentence of 10 years or more, or both.  

Despite these measures, concerns remain over the delayed implementation of the law, frustrating lawmakers who are pushing for stricter enforcement.  

Globally, drug abuse continues to devastate communities, with experts warning that the lack of proper regulations is pushing more youth into addiction. Dr. Rogers Kasirye, a public health advocate, has raised alarms over the worsening crisis.  

There are fears that drug abuse has evolved, with new synthetic drugs like sweet gaining popularity, as highlighted by experts Barbara Nakijoba and Anna Nabulyacases. The users have suffered severe consequences.  Statistics reveal that between the daily unit cost to treat drug addictions ranges between 200,000shs. to 250,000shs yet rehabilitation services remain inadequate, according to researcher Mutaawe Rodgers, who has documented the devastating impact.  

Drug abuse is not only ruining the lives of young people but also fueling other crimes, including theft, violence, and gang activity, particularly in urban areas.