Anti-drug abuse campaign kicks off

A nationwide campaign to eradicate the abuse of drugs among the youth was officially launched yesterday in Bihinga Sector, Gatsibo District in the Eastern Province.The campaign was launched by the Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philibert Nsengimana, in the company of other ministers and senior government officials.Speaking at the event, Nsengimana appealed to the people of Gatsibo to do away with the abuse of drugs and engage in projects that develop the country.In a bid to ensure that the campaign is well implemented, the government set up an ad hoc committee assigned to implement the campaign ‘Ijisho ry’umuturanyi’ (neighbour’s eye). The committee will also focus on sensitization campaigns through the use of posters, billboards, stickers among others. The committee headed by Bishop Alex Birindabagabo, seeks to achieve its mission before this year ends by setting up strategies that will completely stamp out the vice.Nsengimana reminded the youth of Gatsibo that they are the future leaders of this country and they should concentrate on their studies instead of indulging themselves in drug abuse.The campaign was launched in Gatsibo because the area has a history of many drug traffickers and users.The most common being local brew (Kanyanga), Chief Waragi and marijuana which officials say are mainly smuggled from Uganda and Tanzania.According to the district Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza, since January, his district has apprehended over 20 drug users and registered 60 crimes committed by drug abusers.“I hope this campaign will end this vice. I call upon religious leaders, parents and school teachers to help us in eradicating of drug abuse among the youth in our district,” he said.During the function, a foundation stone where staff quarters of Groupe Scolaire Bihinga will be constructed was laid.