<strong>Uganda Declares Drug Control Law Unconstitutional: Activists Win Historic Battle</strong>
Even with the decision, the country's authorities are expected to maintain laws against substance-related crimes
The Constitutional Court of Uganda, in Africa, has struck down the Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs Control Act, in effect since 2015, in response to a legal action brought by activists. Although the decision was made last week, the country's authorities stated that they will still enforce the old 1993 law to combat substance-related crimes. This indicates a search for a change in the country's drug policy.
Representatives of the Attorney General of Uganda announced that the State will appeal the Constitutional Court's decision. Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuzi stated that an appeal will be filed, while Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Attorney General, mentioned that his offices will review the decision before deciding on the appeal. Although specific laws were not specified, it was emphasized that drugs remain illegal in Uganda and that individuals will be prosecuted under other existing laws in the country.
The situation in the country regarding drug control is intriguing. The annulment of the law, which had already been contested by activists, occurred due to a lack of quorum during the enactment of the legislation in 2012. This led to questioning the validity of the 2015 narcotic and psychotropic drug control law.
The Wakiso Association of Miraa Producers and Traders is fighting against the country's old Drug Law. This association represents farmers who cultivate khat or mairungi, a stimulant plant. In 2017, they filed a petition to remove khat from the list of narcotics, arguing that the ban lacked scientific basis.
The association's goal was to demonstrate the unconstitutionality of the khat ban by providing evidence of its cultural and economic value. The association's president, Vicente Kizito, stated that khat should be treated as a delicacy, as the economy of many families depends on it. Furthermore, he highlighted that the khat culture allows families to provide education for their children, among other benefits.