Police in the Elgon region of Bugisu are worried about the alarming rate at which graduates are consuming prohibited drugs. Research shows that the consumption of narcotics is widespread, involving even medical doctors, interns, law graduates, and graduates from various courses who have given up on job hunting and turned to narcotics for solace.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Rubanza, who also serves as the Elgon police surgeon, emphasizes the need for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to address this issue. Rubanza states that parents invest a lot in educating their children, and as professionals, there is a responsibility to guide them on recovery measures. He warns that without intervention, bright individuals may be lost to narcotics.
In Mbale City, once-respected graduates are seen deteriorating due to the effects of narcotics, khat, cuber, and Mira. Madam Elizabeth Kakai laments this painful experience. A few months ago, a significant quantity of narcotics was found in State House, leading to speculation about President’s son, Junior Bidden. If found culpable, he will be dealt with according to United States law on narcotics.
In Kenyan security circles, it is considered a direct offense for those guarding President Uhuru Kenyatta to be seen imbibing or smoking khat. Soldiers consuming intoxicating drugs could compromise the security of the president.
As for the definition of narcotics, since the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act has been struck down by parliament, a useful definition is sought from Black’s Law Dictionary, second edition. It describes narcotics as a group of drugs that reduce pain and induce sleep or stupor. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a similar definition, referring to these drugs as substances that affect mood and relieve pain, including drowsiness.
It is believed that over 20 million people in countries like Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Somalia consume fresh leaves from these trees as stimulants. Dr. Rubanza warns that if not controlled, many consumers will develop serious mental problems, leading to increased criminality.
Bugisu is currently facing an influx of unemployed graduates resorting to the consumption of narcotic drugs. The recent court ruling that threw out the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 20114 may exacerbate the situation.
In a constitutional petition by the Wakiso Miraa Growers and Dealers Association vs. AG, the court claimed that parliament didn’t consult stakeholders, undermining constitutional principles. Miraa growers argued that the law intended to disrupt their income and was inconsistent with their constitutional rights.
Parents express distress seeing their educated children resorting to drug consumption, and unscientific views on the legalization of miraa should not be supported. The writer calls for Ugandan lawmakers to promptly re-enact the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, addressing issues of quorum.
Research findings indicate that at least 5% of teachers consume prohibited substances to enhance their teaching abilities. The writer strongly rejects the idea of using narcotics or alcohol as inducers for teaching or parliamentary debates.
The writer is a researcher from Mbale, reachable at 0706655811.
