By Tolit Ivan
PACTA Uganda, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing substance use disorders and mental health challenges, has called for concerted efforts from stakeholders to combat the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in schools across Gulu City.
The organization revealed that a survey it conducted over the past two years indicates that nearly 70 per cent of learners in Gulu use drugs and other substances, a trend it says has contributed to rising cases of youth crime and school dropouts, particularly among boys.
Speaking to journalists recently, Rev Fr Samuel Mwaka Okidi, Director of PACTA Uganda, called for a collective response from all stakeholders to address the growing rate of substance abuse among school going children, warning that failure to act could jeopardize the future of the region.
According to Mwaka, many young people have increasingly become involved in drug and substance abuse due to weak laws and inadequate enforcement. He said the situation has contributed to declining educational performance, school dropouts and rising youth crime in the city.
Mwaka urged schools to deliberately establish mental health clubs, strengthen counselling services and intensify efforts to prevent drug and substance abuse among learners.
The calls come amid a report by SOS Children’s Villages, in partnership with Mental Health Uganda and Youth Mental Health Norway, which highlighted a growing mental health burden in schools across Northern Uganda.
