RWAMAGANA - Police have urged parents to closely monitor their children as a way of curbing drug abuse among the youth.

Police say children are abused or involved in drug abuse, when they are still young.

"We urge parents to know where their children are, who they associate with and what they do,” Police spokesman, Supt Theos Badege told residents of Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.

Superintendent Alex Rutabayiru, the Rwamagana District Police Commander, (DPC) noted that school going children have been caught red-handed smoking marijuana or drinking local banned gin.

"We need the parents to be aware. We can’t do it alone,” he said.

According to recent police reports, marijuana and ‘Kanyanga’ is responsible for various crimes including rape and domestic violence in the Eastern Province.

Meanwhile, during the closure of the week-long campaign against drug abuse in Nyamabuye, Muhanga district, the District Executive Secretary, Celse Gasana ,told the youth to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse in the community and schools.

A multitude of students in the area, participated in a march against drug usage. The students also visited Muhanga Police Station, where they were taught the dangers of drugs.

Gasana, who is the acting Mayor, said Shogwe sector has the highest number of cases related to drug abuse.
He cited St. Joseph Kabgayi Secondary School among the schools known for drug abuse.

"The war against drugs has just started and we need to put more efforts to stop the use of all illicit drugs, especially among students and the community. This will enable our youth to study and become better citizens,” Gasana said.

Acting District Police Commander, CIP Victor Vandama, said that 25% of the mental disabilities among residents in the district are largely caused by the rampant use of drugs.

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