Uganda Has now officially started training in harm reduction and has created Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Clinics in one of its National referral Mental Hospital Alcohol and Drug Unit.
The training is ongoing for new and existing staff to run this new facility and MAT clients will be enrolled this coming month.
A special thanks to all the efforts of Dr David Basangwa whose dream this is has now 
become a reality.
The Sixth Plenary Session of the 'Drug Demand Reduction in Africa: Prevention, Treatment and Epidemiology' Virtual Conference from 16th September to 10th November 2020.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm SA
Plenary Co-Chairs: African Union Commission and ISSUP Global
A panel session to respond to questions and issues arising from the previous five plenaries.
Panel Members (TBC):
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The Fourth Plenary Session of the 'Drug Demand Reduction in Africa: Prevention, Treatment and Epidemiology' Virtual Conference from 16th September to 10th November 2020.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm SA
Plenary Chair: Dr. Reychad Abdool, African Union Commission
1. A Continental Overview of Drug Epidemiology in Africa
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2. Regional Perspectives
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3. Overview of Drug epidemiology in Latin American and the Caribbean
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4. Synchronising Global Drug Epidemiology Data Collection
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5. Question & Answer Session
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The Third Plenary Session of the 'Drug Demand Reduction in Africa: Prevention, Treatment and Epidemiology' Virtual Conference from 16th September to 10th November 2020.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm SA
Plenary Chair: Kim Johnson, ICUDDR
1. Treatment Standards
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2. Service Quality Measurements in Treatment Facilities
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3. Best Practices in Treatment and UTC Training in Africa
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4. Credentialing and Certification
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5. Case Studies of Treatment Programmes in Latin America/Caribbean and Africa
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6. Question & Answer Session
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The Second Plenary Session of the 'Drug Demand Reduction in Africa: Prevention, Treatment and Epidemiology' Virtual Conference from 16th September to 10th November 2020.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm SA
Plenary Chair: David Bayever, ISSUP South Africa
1. What Constitutes Evidence-Based Prevention?
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2. Prevention Standards
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3. Media-Based Prevention Programmes
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4. Alcohol Use Prevention (data on alcohol use and environmental prevention initiatives)
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5. Question & Answer Session
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The First Plenary Session of the 'Drug Demand Reduction in Africa: Prevention, Treatment and Epidemiology' Virtual Conference from 16th September to 10th November 2020.
Time: 2:00 – 4:10 pm SA
Plenary Chair: Jeff Lee and Livia Edegger, ISSUP Global
Conference Welcome and Introduction:
1. Setting the Scene
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2. Global Perspective – A Global Overview of Drug Use
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3. Continental Perspective – An Overview of Drug Use in Africa
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4. African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2023)
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5. Global Initiatives by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US State Department
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6. Regional Perspective – Latin America and the Caribbean
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7. Summary and Invitation to Send Comments and Questions Arising from Inputs
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USE OF MOBILE TRUCK SENSITISATION
In early March, 2020, the world was hit by a pandemic of COID-19, which has affected the lives of millions global.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus and spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or objects that has the virus on it, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
The government through the ministry of health adopted preventive stay home measures which limited nearly all physicalinteraction activities in the communities including the closure of bars, this created room for alcohol consumption in homes which has resulted into alcohol related harms especially domestic violence which is being reported to be on an increase.
Information on preventive measures is wholly aired on media channels including radio, TV and social media sites most of which are not easily accessed by the communities due to lack of radios, Tv set, smart phones ,interference in signals, lack of data to visit social media this has kept many in the dark with only access to information got through word of mouth from colleagues which some time is inaccurate, Fear and misinformation have generated dangerous myths and misconceptions that consuming high strength alcohol can kill the CIVD-19 virus.
The use of a mobile track sensitisation approach came in handy to address gaps in information and clear myths held in the communities.
Most of the notable myths held in the community included;
• “Drinking alcohol helps kills the virus in the body, whenever one takes it his body is fully set to fight a waragi will quickly burn it out of the body” one gentle man lamented in Bibo village in Gombe division.
• ”Corona is for people living in towns, working congested people with limited air but us here in the village we can freely do what we want drink our alcohol with no limitation, government lock down is wastage of our high life’ a young person in Matugga shared.
• “Sanitizers are made from alcohol, so what is wrong with buying alcohol you drink while washing your hands?
• “A drunkard is immune to the COVID19 virus, because his body is alcohol filled with alcohol, so no need to sanitize, body is already sanitized” a lady in Sanga shared.
During the community sensitisation drive, the team consisting of a social worker, community development officer, health personnel from Buwambo health center up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19 especially relating to alcohol use clarified on the myths and misconceptions as they transversed the villages while also emphasizing the guidelines by the ministry of health.
The community was informed that;
• alcohol has a deleterious effect on the immune system and cannot stimulate immunity and virus resistance so it is important to avoid alcohol all together so that one does not undermine his or her immune system and health and do not risk the health of other.
• Ensure that children and young people don’t have access to alcohol and do not let them see you consume alcohol –be a role model
• Discuss with children the problems associated with drinking and COVID-19 such as violations of quarantine and physical which can make the pandemic worse.
Kye point
‘Under no circumstance should you drink any type of alcohol product as a means of preventing COVID 19 infection’
These efforts were greatly appreciated by the community especially the local leaders who informed the team that many people fill the virus is far away from them and since no one has died, there is no cause for alarm but now the community has got the information and will now behave with a lot of caution.
Background:
The COVID 19 pandemic globally has had a devastating negative impact especially in low income countries like Uganda who have fragile health system and can’t manage many cases. Governments declared lockdown and everything stood at stand still for over 75 days. Children and their families depending on small informal business closed, capital eaten up and didn’t know what to happen next.
Our entire 9 Drop in centers/safe spaces were closed and over 2000 slum youth and poor children scattered and a few went home. We received distress calls from some our young people we serve daily in our drop in centers that life had become unbearable, there was a lot of hunger, and some violence was inflicted on children. It is estimated that another 3 million Ugandans are expected to fall into abject poverty as a result increasing the number to 23 million people.
Children trying to cope in the pandemic were far worse off and some taken play by the exploiters in the name of giving food (exchange for sex). There was a spike and increase of sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the informal settlement and slums. Gladly we requested for support from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) through Dr. Mary Jane Rotheram and OAK Foundation, who responded positively to this emergency to assist and help over 1500 children in Kampala city who were scattered in the city. UYDEL received USD $ 25,000 from OAK Foundation towards support for procurement and distribution of food relief and other basic necessities to young people to contribute to their welfare and also prevent infections of COVID 19 in the communities.
UYDEL Response: With support from our donors, we have put together hygiene basket composed of wash stands with buckets, soap and Dettol, with informational brochures that were distributed through our networks and with our partners in urban communities, and in support of local government leadership. We are mobilizing and supporting youth in our networks who know how to sew to make artisanal face masks that can be made available to the wider community on sale at reasonable cost.
UYDEL also tapped into the COVID 19 response fund under the EASY U25 Project to provide funds worth 96,726,000/= to cater for Foods and emergency support for vulnerable slum youth and their families under the project, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and support to Slum youth and UYDEL Staff while at the drop-in centers and Secretariat and Provide Foods and emergency support for vulnerable slum youth and their families under the project.
In these few weeks we have seen families living in extreme poverty being hit even harder by the crisis as prices for basic food items and supplies skyrocket. We are lobbying our networks for support and once this is realised then we plan to provide these families with additional cash subsidies to help keep food on the table. For homeless people and children this is worse. The UYDEL communication and M&E team has worked on critical messages to share as the risk for violence and exploitation of women and children - especially girls – increases significantly in times of crisis. These messages will be shared on community radio, on Whatsapp networks, by text messaging and other ways UYDEL usually communicate.
Conclusion: This has so far been a successful activity since many young people have benefitted from the relief items. We still have some leftover food to reach some more young people. However, many numbers of youths are still unreached and they need food now since the lock down has been extended for another 21 days. Many will not start immediately any enterprises to improve their survival and coping. We anticipate many parents will not be able to support their children in the immediate future and many children are likely to be enticed into sexual exploitation, homelessness ness.
The way forward goals are to reach 1,300 (900 girls and 400 males) at UYDEL training centers and 9 city youth drop in centers. Vulnerable poor hit by pandemic as a short term measure to reduce trauma, dependency, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and violence and encourage recovery and also to build resilience and social capital for full recovery and reduce trauma and sexual exploitation.
Alcohol Harm Prevention Project
Radio Talk Show Report
Discussion Topic: Situation analysis of Alcohol abuse among young during the COVID 19 lock down
Station: Tiger FM 102.5 frequency located in Nansana Municipality
Date:11th June 2020; 9:00AM to 10:00AM
Guests: Mr. Mutaawe Rogers; Senior Programme Manager & Mr. Lubega Andrew; Project Officer
Objectives:
Background information
This is a morning flagship programme conducted in the local language Luganda on Tiger FM. The radio set aside every Thursday to discuss key salient issues that concern health of people in the community hence the topic of the day.
Summary of the proceedings
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The moderator asked Mr. Mutaawe to define alcohol use and abuse. In his submission, Mr. Mutaawe said that alcohol is mainly composed on methanol and is a socially acceptable in society. However, many people and especially children and young people are increasingly misusing the alcohol and are taking it daily in uncontrolled amounts which has led to addictions and dependence. Addictions are mainly a result of peer pressure, stress, family environment and poverty. He said that children as young as 14 years have been taken to Butabika for treatment which is a worrying situation for the country and that about 20% of cases in hospital have alcohol related problems.
Mr. Lubega on the other hand said that field work experience of UYDEL had showed that young people were increasingly getting hooked to alcohol during the lock down. This is mainly due to lack of engagement in productive activities as many have not been working which left them idle. The availability of alcohol in bars/shops has made it very easy for young people to engage in alcohol consumption in addition to the environment, family and peer pressure. Despite the Presidential directives of closure of all bars, some people are buying a lot of alcohol and storing it in their homes which has exacerbated the problems. Alcohol is no ordinary commodity for all people to access on streets, bars, shops and other places.
On the issue of parental guidance, Mr. Mutaawe noted that many parents are busy working leaving little or no time for children at home. In due process children lack role models and end up belonging to bad peer groups. Likewise, some parents drink at home and also leave alcohol in refrigerators which pre disposes children to alcohol consumption at an early age. He called on the parents to be good role models to their children during these hard times.
Mr. Lubega also highlighted that UYDEL was implementing activities of the Alcohol Harm prevention project that include; follow up the enforcement of the alcohol bylaws; training of NGOs/CBOs in advocacy skills; sensitization meetings with local leaders in the Divisions; conduct community awareness dialogue sessions about the enforcement of the alcohol bylaws in the targeted Divisions; conduct training sessions on harms of alcohol with villagers; awareness raising through music dance and drama shows in the project areas; conduct sensitization meetings with owners of entertainment places, bars, supermarkets in targeted communities; develop and print bylaw materials such as posters, stickers for dissemination in target areas and media talk shows.
Mr. Mutaawe informed the listeners that UYDEL had been serving the most marginalized out of school young people for the last 25 years in Kampala and rural communities. UYDEL provides services to the most at risk populations, street children, slum youth through life skills education, counselling, vocational skills training and apprenticeship, career guidance, and psychosocial support. He observed that youths are faced with problems of poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, high teenage pregnancies, crime, vulnerabilities to trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The youths have been for long been neglected and that’s why government programmes now have tended to target them more especially the youth livelihood program. He encouraged youths to be patient and establish viable business ventures that are profitable and legal. He encouraged youths to always look out for opportunities basing on where they stay. For example he informed them to think creatively during this lock down and probably engage in new viable employment opportunities within their communities to avoid the challenges of unemployment. |
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Mr. Mutaawe said that police have the duty to arrest people who break the law by using drugs and abusing alcohol. He urged the community leaders to regularly engage the police to do their work. He also noted that government may not ban alcohol now but advocacy for alcohol regulation shall continue to ensure that the law and policy promote public health.
Mr. Lubega in his response urged the youths to be creative and engage in viable economic activities other than waiting for support from government. He also informed the listeners that upon completion of skills training the UYDEL trainees are linked to potential employers for internship while others are supported with startup tool kits whenever resources are available.
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Way forward
Mr. Mutaawe concluded by thanking the host for inviting him to share his experiences with young people and also teaching the youths values of self-reliance and survival to address the unemployment problem. He thanked the station for the opportunity and urged the management to always create time for developmental programs. He urged the young people to stay resilient and calm as the Nation grapples with the lock down.
On the other hand, Mr. Lubega urged the youths to avoid alcohol use and abuse by being in presence of good peer groups, applying life skills, and engage in productive ventures. He noted that UYDEL will continue working closely with Nansana Municipality to develop alcohol bylaws to regulate alcohol sale and consumption. He called upon the business owners to always consider public health and safety as they sale alcohol. They should not sale to minors.
UGANDA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LINK
PRESS RELEASE
RE: Alcohol and COVID-19; Two pandemics colliding
Introduction:
In Uganda we have seen a spike and unprecedented levels of drinking leading to increase in domestic violence and addiction levels. Some men are spending more time drinking and hence diverting money meant for food to buying alcohol.
Facts about alcohol in relation to COVID 19
a) Consuming high-strength alcohol does not kill the COVID-19 virus. If adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death.
b) Alcohol is not a food stuff
c) Alcohol is not an essential commodity
Alcohol use is related to COVID 19 in the following ways;
1. There are high chances that some bars and pubs may be operating illegally as they currently yearn for customers to buy alcohol despite the fact that they have been prohibited by government not to operate. This is recipe for the spread of the COVID 19 because there is a likelihood of close contact with patrons without observing social distancing.
2. There have been reported cases of domestic violence which is partly attributable to drunk husbands beating their wives during this crisis situation.
3. Drinking alcohol weakens the immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections like COVID 19.
4. Drinking alcohol affects one’s ability to make sensible choices or decisions to protect oneself from COVID 19.
5. Increased alcohol use among the community members as they try to deal with unemployment, stress, and loneliness during the lock down.
There are other ways to deal with stress without drinking alcohol.
Restricting Alcohol Access during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Uganda Government has issued a variety of “stay at home” orders, nearly all of which ban on-premise food or alcohol consumption and the subsequent closure of bars and restaurants to patrons. These unforeseen and new challenges have led to new approaches to alcohol sales in many areas, including alcohol delivery through food service apps.
We have seen social media platforms that are promoting online adverts from one of the big alcohol industries in Uganda encouraging the population living in Kampala and Wakiso to visit a website and place an order which would be delivered to the respective patron in line with government movement directives. We condemn these acts in the strongest terms possible.
The Alcohol Industry should not reap from the people especially at this time when people should spend wisely the little they have since the economy is slow now. This is a time to promote healthy behavioural changes; people should stay home sober with their families to avoid likely consequences of alcohol use.
The general population should be reminded to observe the following;
a) Parents/guardians should be role models to their children and young people by making sure they do not have access to alcohol. Parents should talk to them about why drinking affects
behaviours that can expose you more to the virus.
b) People should stay calm without alcohol. Fear and anxiety are common during the
pandemic. Alcohol only makes them worse. Do not drink alcohol to cope with your
emotions.
c) People should be resilient without alcohol. Drinking alcohol during home isolation increases
the risk of violence and injury.
We therefore appeal to;
1. Government to regulate and impose a complete ban on the distribution, transportation and sale of any liquor and alcohol in any form during this 21-day COVID 19 lock down. Many young people and men are resorting to drinking liquor in homes and urban centers in big groups which compromises social distancing. This is a factor that needs urgent and timely attention.
2. Government should institute another taskforce to support affected communities by providing psychosocial support, and counselling services to cope, adjust and adapt with the current situation.
3. Media programmes need to focus on building and communicating hope, adaptation to the current situation, recovery and successful outcomes post COVID 19 lock down. Less time should be allocated to issues of hopelessness, unemployment, stress and trauma.
4. The COVID 19 prevention messages should be complemented by communicating with the public about the risks of alcohol consumption, and maintaining and strengthening alcohol and drug rehabilitation services.
Signed,
Rogers Kasirye
Executive Director
For further details you may visit www.uydel.org
We invite you to register for this free webinar-based training course on Motivational Interviewing (MI). The three week long series is presented by Igor Koutsenok, MD, MS, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry.
Motivational Interviewing is an essential, client-centered, counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. We are absolutely thrilled to bring you this skills-building opportunity presented by a recognized expert in the field of MI.
The course consists of four sessions to be held during June 2020 (see course descriptions and session dates below).
We highly encourage registration for all sessions.
This is a training in evidence-based clinical methods of motivational interviewing (MI). After orientation to the underlying spirit and principles of MI, practical exercises will help participants to strengthen empathy skills, recognize and elicit change talk, and roll with resistance. Research evidence will be reviewed for the efficacy of MI and for the importance of building therapeutic relationships in clients’ outcomes. Integration of MI with other treatment modalities will be considered.
The goal is to provide knowledge and practical skill training for various practitioners on effective ways to enhance motivation of patients with substance use disorders that require significant behavioral changes to initiate and sustain positive and healthy behavioral choices. Skill building, and experiential training will be emphasized throughout the course by exercises to develop a therapeutic alliance with patients, assess patient needs, level of engagement in treatment process, structure treatment sessions, select appropriate interventions, and assist patient in maintaining motivation for a sustainable behavioral change.
Participants will learn the basic and advanced skills in motivational interviewing and strategies for engaging patients in collaborative relationship in treatment process and assist them in achieving sustainable positive behavioral changes. The course will:
Upon completion of the course, every participant will be able to:
Course Content, Dates & Registration
After orientation to the underlying spirit and principles of MI, practical exercises will help participants to strengthen empathy skills, recognize and elicit change talk, and roll with resistance. Research evidence will be reviewed for the efficacy of MI and for the importance of building a therapeutic relationship in clients’ outcomes. Integration of MI with other treatment modalities will be considered.
Learning outcomes:
Time: 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm London
Duration: 1 hour
This session will focus on Fundamental Skills in MI (OARS), providing practical exercises to help participants to strengthen empathy skills, recognize and elicit change talk, and roll with resistance. Participants will learn strategies for engaging patients in a collaborative relationship in the treatment process and assist them in achieving sustainable positive behavioral changes. Research evidence will be reviewed for the efficacy of MI and for the importance of building a therapeutic relationship in clients’ outcomes. Integration of MI with other treatment modalities will be considered.
Learning outcomes:
Time: 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm London
Duration: 1 hour
This third session will continue to focus on MI fundamentals, with a focus on more advanced skills and the integration of MI with other strategies and treatment modalities. Research evidence will be reviewed for the efficacy of MI and for the importance of building therapeutic relationship in clients’ outcomes.
Learning outcomes:
Time: 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm London
Duration: 1 hour
The fourth and final session will continue to build on MI Fundamentals covered in Session 3, increasing your knowledge of advanced MI skills.
Time: 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm London
Duration: 1 hour
We look forward to you joining us for these virtual sessions! Please contact info [at] issup [dot] net if you have any questions.
Dr. Igor Koutsenok is а Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, Director of the Center for Addiction Research, Training and Application, Director of the SAMHSA PEPFAR International Addiction Technology Transfer Center-Ukraine, and a co-director of the SAMHSA PEPFAR South East Asia Addiction Technology Transfer Center. He is also a Vice-President of the International Consortium of Universities on Drug Demand Reduction.
In 1983 he graduated as a medical doctor from the National Medical University in Kiev, (Ukraine). In 1986, he completed his psychiatry residency training and received degree as psychiatrist from the Medical University in Sofia (Bulgaria). In 1993-1996 he received a degree in addiction psychiatry at the University of London, Department of Addictive Behavior and Psychological Medicine at St. Georges Hospital Medical School. In 1996, he was recruited by the University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and since then he serves as faculty member of the Department. In 2013-2016 he served as Chief of Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Office in Vienna.
Over the last 25 years Dr. Koutsenok led the design and implementation of multiple training and technical assistance programs for mental health and addiction treatment practitioners, primary health care and social work practitioners, criminal justice professionals in the United States and around the world. He is also directing the UCSD Summer Clinical Institute - the second longest running Summer Institute in the United States (over 40 years). Dr. Koutsenok is also a member of the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
For many years, Dr. Koutsenok taught general and addiction psychiatry to medical students, psychiatry residents, psychology trainees, social workers, criminal justice professionals, and policy makers around the world. He is a recipient of numerous national and international awards. He has authored and co-authored over 50 scientific publications, one monograph, and contributed to 4 book. Dr. Koutsenok has been invited as a presenter and trainer to hundreds of conferences and workshops in the USA and more than 40 countries around the world. He is a proud father of three.
Presenters: Drs. Chia Francis and Mashika Esther
This webinar will illuminate the level of drug use in Nigeria, efforts made so far to address access to drug abuse treatment services in Nigeria, and details of a study regarding access to treatment.
Thursday June 4th 2020
Time: 11 AM BST / 6 AM EDT
Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82963854757
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Or visit the USAPA Website at https://bit.ly/2VyQqqA
The Smart Club Contract Concept: An Evidence-Based Primary Prevention Method for Children in East Africa
by Lubega Andrew (UYDEL)
The Contract Concept is a means or tools for children and adolescents to lead better lives with Human Rights, better school attendance and results and growing up without the burden of alcohol/drugs and other substances.
SMART’s contract method is locally based and includes components such as
Everyone (in the target group) is equally welcome, regardless of creed, race, and gender.
The goal is to support children and adolescents to gain control of their lives s, assist them in making better and informed smart choices, demanding for their fundamental Human, Gender Rights.
By introducing a Smart Club Concept we empower kids to never to start drinking/smoking/sniffing solvents or even trying narcotics but. Instead they can engage in fun or educative activities, make new friends and become aware of their Rights. They start demanding equal rights, democratic decisions. Some change from truants, who seldom go to school, to become interested in education, understand that it’s up to them how their grown-up lives will be. We work for making them change attitudes and show ambitions hence contributing to sustainable goal 3 and 4.
The concept was introduced by Smart International’s Slim Liden and the first Smart Club in Uganda –was established at Makerere COU Primary School by Uganda Youth Development Link followed by subsequent clubs in Kiteezi center for learning and disability by My self-Uganda and one Children And Youth Empowerment Link in Kanyanya.
The contract concept is also being implemented in Kenya by Mr. George Ochieng under the Slum child Foundation and in West Africa.
This webinar focuses on the issue of self-care for addiction professionals and was delivered by ICUDDR Deputy Director Cary Hopkins Eyles.
Many of us are drawn to work in the field of substance use disorders due to our history, family, and personal traits, such as compassion and empathy. While these can be great assets, they can also be detrimental to us personally.
In this webinar, Cary explains how to identify healthy and unhealthy traits, how we can care for ourselves, and what authentic self-care looks like.
Cary has worked in the field of substance use disorders for 18 years. She is passionate about helping professionals in this field to take care of themselves so they can thrive and help those in need. Cary has worked in direct care in non-profit in the U.S., has run Residential, Outpatient, and Criminal Justice treatment programs, and has trained and mentored other substance use professionals. She is now the Deputy Director for the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) and supports the development of addiction studies programs around the world. She is a global trainer in the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC).
Recorded on 13 March 2020
The Church of Uganda has instituted a programme that will help young people to protect themselves from alcoholism and drug abuse. The programme Drug Free Schools was launched by the outgoing Arch Bishop , the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, at Mengo Senior School on Saturday the 15th of February 2020. Speaking to students, teachers and partners that graced the function, Ntagali said that drug abuse among young people in schools was on rise, which was why the Church had decided to act against the vice.
The Coordinator of the Church of Uganda ‘Drug –Free Schools’ Programme, Ezra Tumuhirwe, said the initiative is expected to cover 500 secondary schools by 2026.
The KCCA acting Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Daniel Ayen Okello, asked young people to seek the guidance of their parents, teachers and religious leaders when they got problems, instead of turning to drugs. Dr. Okello told the youth that nobody should make them feel lesser than they are and reminded them that they were created in God’s image.
The Principal regulatory officer of medicines at the National Drug Authority (NDA), Brian Sekayombya, said the authority would continue to work with schools and other stakeholders to eliminate alcoholism and drug abuse. Other participants in this event included; Church of Uganda province Secretariat, the Rev. Paul Kakooza and Dr. Nazarius Tumwesigye from Makerere University College of Health Sciences.
The function which was graced by a number of dignitaries and the event kicked off with a solidarity march by students and teachers of Gayaza High School, Mengo Senior School, King’s College Buddo, Nsangi S.S, Mwereerwe S.S, Wampeewo Ntakke, Entebbe S.S and Kira S.S.
The students were also given an opportunity to presented poems, music and drama items on alcoholism and drug abuse during this event as well.
