By KT Reporter
Katakwi District has reported an increase in cases of mental illness among youth believed to be affected by marijuana use and excessive alcohol consumption. Authorities say Katakwi Town Council, a rapidly growing urban area, records between 10 to 15 cases of young men aged 17 to 25 exhibiting mental illness linked to marijuana abuse.
Recent records from the mental health unit at Katakwi General Hospital show that the district has already registered more than 300 related cases. Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), expressed concern over the growing number of youth “running mad” due to marijuana smoking, many of whom are seen roaming towns searching for food in dustbins.
In response, Ilemukorit has urged lower local government leaders in Katakwi to enact bylaws prohibiting early alcohol consumption as a step towards creating an alcohol-free generation. He further called on stakeholders across Katakwi and the wider Teso region to work together to help youth, particularly those aged 17 to 25, stop consuming alcohol, marijuana, and other intoxicating substances. Ilemukorit emphasized the importance of citizens prioritizing hygiene, sanitation, and regular health check-ups over drug misuse, adding that security agencies will step up enforcement against marijuana smokers.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Omolo, the Katakwi LCV chairperson, said marijuana and alcohol consumption have also contributed to rising cases of murder in the district. Omolo pledged to engage different stakeholders in sensitizing communities about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse before introducing bylaws.
Health specialists warn that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as liver and heart disease, several types of cancer, and mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder.
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a mind-altering drug whose effects begin almost immediately when smoked. Experts note it can cause lung damage, changes in brain function, addiction, and memory impairment, among other harmful effects.
A 2018 survey of cannabis users by New Frontier Data revealed that many consumed the drug to manage conditions such as anxiety, pain, insomnia, arthritis, migraines, and nausea. Uganda is estimated to have 2.6 million marijuana users, ranking among the top 10 cannabis-consuming countries in Africa.
Across East Africa, nearly 10 million people are reported to use cannabis illegally. Tanzania leads the region with about 3.6 million users, followed by Kenya with 3.3 million, and Uganda in third place with 2.6 million users.
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