Charles Akankwasa, the head teacher Muyumbu primary school says they received a rumor early last term that some of their pupils were involved in smoking marijuana, which forced them to launch an inquiry. He says during the inquiry some of the pupils, mostly from the areas where marijuana is grown as a cash crop, confessed to smoking the banned substance.
Akankwasa says they have forwarded the matter to police and the district leadership for possible intervention. According to Akankwasa, marijuana smoking has serious consequences on the discipline of pupils as absenteeism and disrespect for teachers have become the order of the day.
A parent at the school who declined to be named admits that his son is one of the pupils involved in marijuana smoking. He says that his son started smoking the banned substance after his friends convinced him that he will become strong. Henry Alyang, the Officer in charge of Criminal Intelligence and Investigations department at Kabale Central Police Station told Uganda Radio Network that marijuana growing and smoking has become a serious challenge in the district.
According to Alyang, marijuana is openly grown in Ruhija and Ikumba sub counties among others, adding that they have embarked on operations to need the producers and consumers. He says they also intend to engage schools to see how they can stop the vice among pupils.
Sabit Kenneth Baabo, the Kabale District Education Officer told Uganda Radio Network that the situation at Muyumbu primary school is worrying and needs to be addressed immediately. Bridget Tumwesigye, the Kabale LC V Vice chairperson, says they are concerned about the rate at which people in Kyanamira Sub County have taken up marijuana growing.
-URN