The National Drug Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Church of Uganda to curb drug and substance abuse in Anglican secondary schools.
At an event held yesterday(20th.April.2022), Archbishop Church of Uganda Dr.Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu said this school-based drug abuse prevention strategy will not only see them form drug-free school policies across their schools but have teachers and school heads trained on how to detect and handle cases as they arise.
He expressed worry that while Uganda is now being ranked the top consumer of alcohol in the East African Region, psychiatric services for those that need rehabilitation after abusing the drug are very minimal.
Dr.Kazimba on Drugs……
Dr. Hellen Ndagijje who heads drug safety at NDA says they did a number of surveys and held discussions with school administrators which pointed to a fact that drugs are smuggled in schools in form of biscuits and other forms which are difficult to detect by administrators. She says among the most smuggled drugs are kuba.
Dr. Hellen speaking……
Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, the Board Chairman at NDA says while they have started by engaging the church, they will with time expand to carry out health campaigns with cultural institutions and also families. END.
