UHRN compiles cases of drug user arrests in Uganda

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UHRN compiles cases of drug user arrests in Uganda

4 February 2015

On 6 December 2014, Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN) invited its members, partners and friends in Kabalagala Kataba to attend a victory ceremony to celebrate the UHRN’s Soccer team’s win for the Mike Mabike's Cup Tournament. The Cup Tournament was supported by former MP Mike Mabike of Makindye Division, and the victory ceremony was held at Miringo's residence in Kabalagala.

UHRN also used the opportunity to challenge the police practice of arrest, unlawful detention, torture and illegal extortion of money from the drug users. The UHRN members testified that they are frequently targeted by the police, arrested and put under pressure to pay for their release though police bond is free according to Uganda’s constitution.

Unfortunately, on 8th December 2014, two days after the victory ceremony, police officers from the Kabalagala Police Station rounded up and arrested over 70 drug users in the same vicinity including UHRN’s peer educators and members. The police are justifying their arrest operations by saying that; “the new Antinarcotics law has now been passed.” People who use drugs are also being charged under the rogue and vagabond misdemeanour offences in the Penal Code.

For more information, please read the document below.

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