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Miss tourism northern region, NDA launch drug abuse drive

3 November 2026, 9:46 pm

Miss Tourism Uganda Northern region team poses with Gulu Secondary School students during drug abuse awareness campaign. Photo: Ekel Bonny Daniel

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Miss Tourism northern region, the National Drug Authority and Alele Gloria Foundation have launched a month-long campaign to combat drug abuse among Northern Uganda’s youth, targeting 20 schools, 2,000 students and communities across Acholi and Lango.

Miss Tourism Uganda Northern region, the National Drug Authority (NDA) and the Alele Gloria Foundation have launched a one-month campaign to address drug and substance abuse among young people in Northern Uganda, with schools and communities in Acholi and Lango set to be reached.

The campaign opened in the Acholi Sub-region through engagements at Trinity College and Gulu Secondary School. Organisers plan to reach 20 schools, 2,000 students, 500 community members and at least 100 community leaders during the initiative.

Gloria Alele, Miss Tourism Uganda Northern region cluster head for the Northern Region, said the campaign is prioritising students because peer pressure, family difficulties, financial strain and emotional distress can expose young people to substance misuse.

Gloria Alele explains how informed learners share accurate information with their communities-Eng

Bongonyinge Harriet, Miss Tourism Uganda 2nd Runner-Up and an NDA brand ambassador, highlighted the need to engage young people without judging those already affected.

Bongonyinge Harriet addresses students of Gulu Secondary School during a drug abuse awareness campaign. Photo: Ekel Bonny Daniel.

She noted that some grow up around substance misuse and may regard it as normal, while others want to stop but do not know where to find help.

Bongonyinge Harriet explains how substance misuse affects young people-Eng

At Gulu Secondary School, student leader Laker Hannah said learners are already conducting class-to-class sensitisation through the school’s mental health champions.

She said the campaign could strengthen student-led awareness and provide information to share during assemblies and other school engagements.

Laker Hannah highlights how the campaign can empower student-led awareness-Eng

Alongside school sessions on substance misuse, responsible medicine use and mental health, the campaign is expected to involve parents and local leaders.

The initiative is being implemented by Miss Tourism Uganda Northern region in partnership with the NDA and the Alele Gloria Foundation.

Its stated focus is to equip young people with information, encourage responsible decisions and build wider community involvement in prevention across the two sub-regions.