'Guard youth against crime, drug abuse'

_______________

Parents and schools have been advised to guard youth against criminal acts like drug abuse and bullying.

According to Commissioner of Police (CP) Anatoli Muleterwa, the head of community policing, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Richard Musisi, says the majority of prisoners in Police cells are aged below 35, and the majority became drug addicts at an early age.

Musisi made the remarks during the 5th edition of the Teen Talk Series, held at Green Hill Academy in Kampala, May 17, 2025.

The teenagers were equipped with essential knowledge and strategies for crime prevention, child protection and personal safety, in training which attracted about 20 students from various schools.

Musisi said that beyond drug abuse, bullying, especially body shaming, emerged as a concerning issue that is affecting teen mental health.

He sternly warned about the dangers of crime among minors, noting that many youths end up in prison due to peer influence.

He advised teenagers to avoid suspicious environments, to dress appropriately to prevent unwanted attention and to be mindful of the people they associate with and that digital communication misuse has led many youths into criminal activities.

He urged schools to strictly enforce policies on mobile phone usage, warning that unsupervised online exposure can be a gateway to dangerous influences and mandatory checking of their items on arrival in schools.

During the training, the facilitators reinforced the need for resilience and confidence, teaching young people how to overcome bullying and cultivate a strong sense of self.

Teens trained on drug abuse during the 5th edition of the Teen Talk Series, held at Green Hill Academy in Kampala, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)

Other facilitators included Police officer, Doreen Lwabi, from the Community Policing Department; Doris Achola and Lillian Ssengoba from the teens talk series.

One of the most alarming revelations from the workshop was the rising trend of substance abuse among teenagers, with participants sharing real-life experiences.

Many youths revealed they were lured into drug use, believing it is a pathway to fame, often idolising artistes without considering the life-altering consequences.

The youths shared how young girls are often mocked for their body shapes. "If you don’t have a figure like a soda bottle, people will insult you every time they see you”.

Some teens said people use sharp tools to create marks on their skin each time they are bullied, and they get depressed.

The victims remain so quiet, lonely that it is hard to open up to the school management.

SSP Achola said most of the prisoners in custody are young people who we would have relied on to develop the country. But instead, a bigger percentage is under rehabilitation, she said.

She explained that most of the prisoners, when interrogated, the results show they committed the crimes under the influence of drugs, and they did not know whether they were committing any crime.  

Ssengooba appealed to parents to talk to their children, rather than relying on schools for discipline.

Ssengoba said many teenagers suffer in silence, unable to share their story with their families.

“Parents must prioritise meaningful conversations with their children,” she emphasised.

She added that parental guidance is crucial in preventing crime and substance abuse among youth.