Minister Adoa Tackles Drug Abuse and Early Marriages in Serere District

Posted on Jan 27, 2025
By Admin
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By Nathan Eyagu 

 

State Minister for Fisheries and Woman MP for Serere District, Hon. Hellen Adoa, has launched a transformative campaign aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of drug abuse, gang violence, and early marriages in Serere District. This initiative, which includes a district-wide marathon and youth empowerment programs, seeks to promote positive behavioral change among the youth and foster community development.  

 

Flagging off the marathon at Olio Primary School, Hon. Adoa highlighted the urgent need to combat drug abuse, which she identified as a significant contributor to the rising crime rate in the district. The event brought together suspected drug users from various communities, mobilized with the support of local security officials.  

 

“Drug abuse is the primary cause of the high criminality rate in Serere,” Hon. Adoa remarked. “Most of our youth engaged in criminal activities are idle and influenced by substance abuse. It is imperative that we redirect their energy into constructive endeavors.”  

 

Addressing Root Causes of Crime  

 

Hon. Adoa emphasized that drug abuse and idleness have fueled the growth of violent gangs, destruction of property, and even tragic cases of homicide within the district. She cited incidents of gang-related violence, including the recent burial of the nephew of a former LC5 leader and a case of an elderly woman who was assaulted and killed.  

 

“These incidents highlight the urgent need for action,” she said. “As leaders, we must engage directly with our youth, listen to their challenges, and provide practical solutions to steer them away from these destructive paths.”  

 

Empowering Youth Through Skills Development  

 

To tackle youth idleness, Hon. Adoa has allocated over UGX 50 million to establish community-based empowerment projects. These initiatives include meat roasting, chapati-making, and the hiring of tents and chairs for events. The programs aim to equip the youth with entrepreneurial skills and create avenues for income generation.  

 

“We need to give our youth a sense of purpose and direction,” the minister said. “By empowering them with skills, we can reduce idleness and eliminate the lure of drugs and criminal activities.”  

 

The minister also emphasized the importance of collaboration, working closely with district security leaders and organizations such as Centenary Bank, Halcyon High School, and Pepsi Uganda who aided in ensuring that the marathon is well facilitated.

 

She encouraged the youth to register for National IDs and update their Electoral Commission records, noting that these are vital steps to accessing government programs and participating in national development initiatives.  

 

Furthermore, Hon. Adoa has raised the challenges facing Serere District at the cabinet level, including the need for a hospital to serve the growing population, currently estimated at over 500,000.  

 

Combating Early Marriages and Domestic Violence  

 

In addition to addressing drug abuse, Hon. Adoa is leading efforts to curb early marriages and domestic violence, issues that disproportionately affect young girls and women in the district. She called on parents and community leaders to play an active role in discouraging early marriages and supporting the education of young girls.  

 

Akurut Dinah Loyce from Olio Sub-County commended the minister’s efforts, noting that they will help young girls focus on their education and future ambitions.

 

Similarly, Atim Janet from Osuguro Sub-County expressed hope that the empowerment programs would rehabilitate drug users and uplift single mothers like herself.  

 

Positive Reception from Local Leaders  

 

Benard Odikor, LC3 Chairman for Kagwara Town Council in a recent interview with this website, welcomed the minister’s initiatives, stating, “Empowering the youth will not only reduce idleness but also change their mindset from being dependent on drugs to becoming productive members of society.”  

 

Hon. Adoa concluded by pledging to continue working with the government, local leaders, and stakeholders to create a safer and more prosperous Serere District. She urged the youth to seize these opportunities and embrace a path of growth and self-reliance.  

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