David Agaba, the Officer in Charge of Patongo Central Police Station, stated that the suspects belong to a gang known for breaking into houses using crude weapons such as pangas and iron bars.
Twenty youths are currently on remand at Patongo Government Prison for allegedly growing marijuana illegally. The arrests occurred during an operation that began on September 12, 2024, in Patongo Town Council.
David Agaba, the Officer in Charge of Patongo Central Police Station, stated that the suspects belong to a gang known for breaking into houses using crude weapons such as pangas and iron bars.
During the operation, police seized bags of marijuana and destroyed two plots of marijuana in Oliga Quarters Village. Agaba emphasized that these operations would continue, especially with the festive season and general elections approaching.
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Agaba also urged the youth to engage in government programs to improve their households and country rather than involving themselves in illegal activities. He called on parents to guide their children, noting that most suspects are young, suggesting a lack of proper guidance from parents.
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SP Omar Kokole, the District Police Commander of Agago, pointed to family breakdowns and poverty as contributing factors to the overindulgence in drugs among the youth. He called for collaboration between local leaders and the police to eliminate activities that endanger the community.
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Joseph Komakech, the chairperson of Patongo Town Council, noted that some suspects were growing marijuana in uncompleted buildings and urged owners to finish these structures, which he claimed are sheltering criminals.
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The suspects face charges of illegal marijuana cultivation, burglary, and possession of dangerous weapons. Their cases, registered under CRB - 433/2024 at Patongo Central Police Station, are scheduled for court on October 10, 2024.
Despite the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 2015 allowing the cultivation, production, and exportation of medical marijuana under specific conditions, marijuana remains illegal in Uganda. The act requires cultivators or investors to meet several criteria, including clearance by tax authorities and a minimum capital investment of 18.3 billion Shillings.
In August 2023, parliament passed the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Bill 2023, which prohibits growing the plant. If signed into law, violators could face fines of up to 2.4 million shillings or five years imprisonment for first-time offenders, with repeat offenders facing life imprisonment.
Frank Openytho
Freelancer