Della Desree Mbabazi2024-06-122024-06-122024-06-11https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/1554The study was carried out in Kisenyi, Kampala District. The study aimed at examining the socio- economic factors influencing drug abuse among the adolescents. The study objectives included: 1. To identify the most common drug abuse cases among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in Kisenyi. 2. To find out if there any social factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drugs abuse in Kisenyi. 3. To find out if there any economic factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drug abuse in Kisenyi. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was local leaders and youth especially those involved in drug addicts; totaling to 52 respondents. Data was collected by use of questionnaire, and interview guide. It was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings show that cigarettes, Khat (mairungi), marijuana, milla and Cocaine being the most common drugs abused by adolescents in Kisenyi. It was also further noticed that 43.5% of adolescents started use of drugs when they were between 5-9 years, and they could use drugs 2- 5 times a day. The study also revealed that encouragement from friends (peer group influence), motivated by parents, involved in selling and distributing drugs, lack of streamlined rules at home, and open drug market in Kisenyi; these are the major social factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drug abuse in Kisenyi, Kampala district. The study finally revealed that employment status, low income level, and family economic status; these are the major economic factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drug abuse in Kisenyi. Basing on the above study findings, it is concluded that there are various socio-economic factors influencing drug abuse among the adolescents in Kisenyi, Kampala district. The recommends that there is need to enhance the enforcement of the existing legal and institutional frameworks in drugs. The enforcement officers especially police officers, courts and local leaders need to join hands to curbing down the youth involvement in use of drugs; and areas of further research were suggested.enDissertation