About 500 students marched through the streets of Rwamagana, last week, in an anti-drug abuse campaign.

The students were joined in the two-hour event by local leaders, Police, teachers and parents.

The campaign was organised by Gishari Integrated Polytechnic Regional School (IPRC).

Sam Karemera, the principal of the school, warned the teenagers against drug abuse and consumption of illicit brew which he said were partly responsible for school dropout.

The school head also enlightened the youth about illegal drugs in the country such as cannabis, kanyanga, Chief Waragi and other illicit brew made out of sorghum and molasses.

Karemera explained the dangers of the vice, noting that the laws prohibit and punish those involved.

"We are sensitising people, but the law is tough on culprits. The purpose of the campaign is to deter potential victims. The interrelationship between drugs and human trafficking cannot also be overlooked. We aim at prevention and abstinence.”

Erick Mukiza, a former drug addict, made a moving testimony.

"I was addicted to drugs and wasted away with no hope. I would shiver without cannabis or kanyanga. I was emaciated, but after rehabilitation, I put on weight and stabilised into normal life,” he said, attracting applause.

Students said the awareness campaign was important for the youth.

"It is a sad reality that even some female students are nowadays involved in smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol. Such girls subconsciously end up in a life of sex slavery in the country or outside. This campaign should focus on such cases,” said Sandrine Umutoni, a Senior Six student at Rwamagana Islamic School.

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