By Kabuye Ronald
Ugandans and the public at large have been cautioned against drug and alcohol use and abuse which is said to be at the peak during the festival seasons and idol time.
The call has been made by the Executive Director of Fight drug abuse (FDA), Josephine Afaayo who urged everyone to join the cause to fight drug and alcohol Abuse which she asserts mostly increases during festival season since most people drink to spoil.
Afaayo says during the season people have much money to spend on what they think brings pleasure to them and that’s how they end up getting addicted to alcohol and drugs hence its abuse.
She asserts that the problem of drug and alcohol abuse was also high during the period of Lock Down due to covid 19 pandemic especially among youth and school going children since they had and have a lot of idol time and they get to meet several bad people.
She reveals that the high prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse can best be seen in the weird acts of people which include: domestic violence, rape, defilement, road accidents, child abuse, immorality and early pregnancy among others.
Afaayo also tipped the public on how to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. “Parents should keep an eye on their children, by checking on their eyes, knowing what your children do, keeping your children busy. Get to know what they want especially in terms of activities, as a parent don’t bring drugs and alcohol at home then you serve as a good example, avoid violence at home because it stigmatizes the children who will look for an option that will bring happiness and that’s how they end up getting lured into drug and alcohol use.
The parents should keep together since nurturing children together is very important because it brings the sense of responsibility and keeping them close to God like praying and learning about God.”
