By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo, has warned of increasing use of narcotic substances in schools and homes, particularly among children from affluent families.
Magambo sounded the warning on Monday during the release of the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, noting that despite a decline in recorded cases, drug abuse remains a growing concern.
“On average, every week, police registers at least two cases relating to substance abuse among children,” Magambo said adding that majority of the reports are by parents and guardians, of children from well-off families.
He added: “We have continuously seen a rise in cases of drug abuse, narcotics and psychotropic substances in schools and homes.”
According to the report, police registered 1,569 cases of narcotics and psychotropic substances in 2025, down from 2,240 cases recorded in 2024, representing a 30% decrease.
Of the cases recorded in 2025, 1,113 were taken to court, leading to 469 convictions and eight acquittals, while 167 were dismissed. A total of 469 cases are still pending in court, 223 were not proceeded with, and 233 remain under inquiry.
The report further shows that 3,402 suspects were arrested and charged in court. Of these, 3,265 were adult males, 63 adult females, 46 male juveniles and 28 female juveniles.
Regionally, Kampala Metropolitan North registered the highest number of cases at 245, followed by Kampala Metropolitan South (204) and Kampala Metropolitan East (197). Other regions with notable figures include West Nile (96), Rwizi (87) and North Kyoga (79).
At the district and division level, Kira Division recorded the highest number of cases at 121, followed by Nansana Division (92), Katwe Division (73), Arua Central Division (61), Kawempe Division (60), Busia (43) and Nsangi (41).
The report also highlights drug trafficking through Entebbe International Airport, where 11 cases involving assorted narcotics were registered in 2025. A total of 21,766.44 grammes of narcotic drugs were seized, slightly down from 21,962.84 grammes in 2024, reflecting a 0.9% decrease.
Despite the overall reduction in cases, police cautioned that drug abuse remains a significant threat to families and on the future of the country’s young population.
“While the cases we have handled have reduced by 30%, there is still a huge concern among the public as drugs of all sorts continue to infiltrate our schools and homes,” Magambo said.
Magambo called on government and stakeholders, particularly Parliament, to prioritise the issue and strengthen interventions.
“The magnitude and impact of this challenge on our society is growing. We look forward to further discussions with key stakeholders on how best to address this problem,” he said.
