Lango Sub-Region Struggles with Drug Abuse, Quackery, and Poverty

The Lango sub-region in Uganda is facing multiple crises that threaten public health and social stability. Lira City, home to most residents, is overwhelmed by toxic alcohols and unregulated substances, some reaching 60% toxicity and lacking certification from standards bodies.

Assistant Resident City Commissioner Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele revealed that authorities are profiling supermarkets selling these dangerous products. Factories mix industrial spirits with non-fermented wine, falsely labeling them as 12% alcohol, leading to severe intoxication or death after just one or two bottles. Preventive arrests aim to curb rising unbecoming behaviors.

Drug abuse drives school dropouts, especially among boys, while health facilities battle quack doctors defrauding patients. Dr. Andrew Odur, director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, stressed efforts to eliminate impostors and address root causes like unsafe environments fueling youth addiction.

Boda-boda crashes from drink-riding cause head injuries and blood clots due to absent helmets. Non-communicable diseases and mental health issues are surging, linked to poverty and stress. Zora Beatrice Apio of Lira District Disabled Women’s Association called for government aid, decentralized drugs, and advocacy for the poor.

Land disputes persist, with 10.4 acres illegally occupied at the regional hospital. Security also combats misinformation tarnishing the area, amid shortages of essential drugs forcing patients to private pharmacies.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)