Drugs Abuse Practice Robs kitgumYouths of marriage

28 October 2026, 4:53 am

By Otim Moses

Residents of Taiocot Village in Labongo Amida West Sub-county, Kitgum District, have expressed fear that continued drug abuse practice is leaving youths with no women, as many young men spend their time abusing drugs instead of working hard to earn a living and start families.

The fear was raised during a community dialogue meeting [Baraza] held on 27th October 2026, organized by RHU in partnership with ADRA Uganda under the STRENGTH Project, where men, women, youth, elders, parents, clan leaders, and the village security committee converged to confront drug abuse, theft, and idleness among youths.

Community members said drug abuse has made youths lazy, jobless, and irresponsible Instead of doing productive work to get money for dowry and marriage, many youths waste their time abusing drugs, leaving them with no women to marry and no future to build.

“When a youth is busy abusing drugs, he cannot work, he cannot earn, and he cannot marry. That is why we are losing our youths,”

one elder said.The meeting also identified theft and children not going to school as major problems.

Mr. Ochola Bosco, a resident of Taiocot, said some three months ago thieves robbed him and when he reported the case, the suspect was arrested but later released by Police back to the community, a practice that demoralizes victims.

With frustration and lack of action by the security organs, the community resolved to enact tough village bye-laws on drug abuse, ensure all children are taken to school, conduct night patrols by the village security committee and Police, and follow up on all theft cases reported to Police until justice prevails.

Residents agreed that continuous sensitization on the danger of drug abuse will reduce cases of drug abuse and theft, and that youths must be encouraged to do hard work instead of abusing drugs.

Mr. Okello Samuel Baker, the Parish Chief of Okidi Parish, said youths should engage themselves in government projects instead of practicing drug abuse.

He also appealed to government to build rehabilitation centres for counselling drug-addicted youths.

Ms. Aryemo Beatrice said drug abuse has left many people homeless and unresponsive in home activities.

The LCIII Chairperson of Labongo Amida West Sub-county, Kitgum District, Mr. Oloya Amos, pledged to work closely with local leaders and cultural leaders so that the rate of drug abuse reduces.

He appealed to RHU to sensitize the community on mental health related to drug abuse so that the future generation can be shaped.

The meeting ended with recommendations for continuous dialogue meetings, proper time management, provision of adequate refreshments, and active participation by all members.