Effect Of Substance Use On Youths In Western Division Kapchorwa Municipality.

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Date

2025-08-19

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Uganda Christian University

Abstract

Substance among youths has continued uninterrupted and is one of the most serious challenges affecting global citizens, and, although a range of laws and policies have been put in place to deal with the phenomenon of youth substance abuse, these interventions lack budgetary appropriations and enforcement personnel. The explored the effect of substance on youths in Western Division, Kapchorwa Municipality. Specifically, the study explored the different types of substances that exist and their effects on youths in Western Division, Kapchorwa Municipality. The study also investigated the factors that contribute to substance use among the youths. The study used qualitative research approach and a case study design of 25 participants who include local officials, local people and law enforcement officers were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used to select study participants and data was collected from participants using interview method. The study findings show that different types of substances that exist and their responses included: heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, amphetamines, marijuana and alcohol. Finding also show that youths who get involved in substance abuse tend to become violent in nature, the impact of illicit substances, crime and violence increases likelihood of lawlessness and illicit and licit substances including alcohol can be associated with aggression, different substances and illicit have increased criminal conducts among the youths. Other findings indicate that several factors contribute to substance abuse among the youths and these include curiosity, depression, peer influence and availability and easy access to substances. The study recommended that government and local leaders should undertake community sensitization against drug and substance misuse while local administrative units should formulate and implement laws that combat drug and substance abuse and this may help prevent crime related to drug use in short and long term. Other recommendations are: Medical establishments should offering specialized assistance and treatment therapy for persons with drug problems.

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