School administrators have implored the government to enforce the existing laws against drug abuse, amidst reports of increasing drug abuse among schoolchildren of various ages.

Father Charles Mpiima, the chaplain of St. Joseph’s Technical Institute Kisubi, said many people involving children in drug abuse are known, yet no action is taken against them by relevant authorities to hold them accountable for their crimes.

“We know the individuals who are involved in this vice, yet they continue to operate without fear of repercussions,” Mpiima stated.

However, Dr. Hafswa Lukwata, the assistant commissioner for mental health and substance abuse at the Ministry of Health, asked schools to establish mental health clubs to help children discuss issues around mental health.

This took place on July 25, 2024, during the 3rd National Prefects Conference at Hotel Africana, Kampala.

The Conference was organized by Hapana Drugs Initiatives Uganda in partnership with Butabika Hospital under the theme “Drug Abuse Effect on Mental Health,” bringing together prefects, heads of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as security agencies.

In August 2023, Parliament passed the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023, allowing licensed marijuana farming for medical purposes and imposing harsh penalties for substance abuse offenses.