By Brian Atuhura
The Legal Aid Service Providers'Network (LASPNET),on Friday launched the programme dubbed,"Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme" in Masindi district aimed at preventing crimes related to drug abuse and violent extremism.
Speaking during the launch meeting that was held at the district headquarters,the Chief Executive Officer LASPNET,Dr.Slyvia Namubiru Mukasa revealed the program will majorly target prevention of crime attributed to drug abuse and promote alternatives to those engaged in the vice.
Dr. Namubiru notes that, Masindi district was identified as part of the twenty districts where the program will be implemented as presented through the prevalent data that showed Masindi as prone to cases of drug abuse and violent extremism.
The other nineteen districts to benefit from the program are Mubende,Kakumiro,Hoima,Kagadi,Kassanda,Kabarole, Kabaale,Kagadi, Mbarara,Jinja,Iganga,Mbale,Tororo,Moroto,Lira,Adjumani,Yumbe,Arua and Kampala.
The three year program is being funded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Uganda (UNODC).
On his part,the District Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga,welcomed the program and he said it will curb drug abuse cases especially among the young people.
Speaking as she launched the program,the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Masindi,Hellen Tugume,lauded LASPNET for the initiative and pledged support from the Office of the RDC in ensuring security during the implementation of the program.