Drug abuse a National Security Threat - CS Kindiki

National Assembly, 

Wednesday, 8 November, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias

Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration Prof Kithure Kindiki has told the Parliament that Drug and Substance Abuse is a major National security threat while adressing the House during a question time session on Wednesday evening. 

CS Kindiki has revealed that the menace is raising havoc in the country alongside other threats like banditry and terrorism 

"Apart from terrorism and bandtry, drug and substance abuse is among the top security threats the country is dealing with," said the CS.

Kindiki said this while responding to a question raised by Kitutu Chache South MP, Hon. Antony Kibagendi who wanted to know measures being put in place by the government to deal with the menace.

"Can the Cabinet Secretary State how many public rehabilitation centres are there to accommodate drug addicts who are seeking help," Hon. Kibagendi asked.

CS Kindiki said that the Government has laid out appropriate measures to deal with the menace including increasing powers to NACADA to help it gain more Authority on war against drug and substance abuse. 

Kindiki noted that illicit brew is one of the five National security threats and the government is suppressing its demand while cutting of supply of the drugs. 

Kindiki pointed out that the Government has applied strict measures to curb manufacturing of illicit brew and set up standards to be met by manufacturers of Alcoholic drings before granting them licence. 

Kindiki said that the government has rejected to issue license for 23 manufacturers who have not met the required standards.