Lead Drug-Free World Ambassador Jessica Aswao Urges Collective Action Against Drug Abuse Among Youth in Teso.

By Peterson Hiirya.

Jessica Aswao, the Lead Drug-Free World Ambassador, beauty queen and Miss Kumam First Runner-Up, has called for stronger collaboration among parents, schools, government and communities to combat the growing threat of drug abuse among young people, describing the recently concluded Drug-Free World Campaign in the Teso Sub-region as both successful and revealing.

Speaking to journalists at the Toto Royal Palace in Serere District during a review of the campaign under Aido Network International, Aswao said this year’s outreach exposed the widespread nature of drug abuse in schools, reinforcing the need for sustained prevention programmes.

“My experience during the 2026 campaign has been eye-opening,” she said. “As we visited different schools, I realized that many students were already involved in drug abuse. In almost every school we visited, it was possible to identify students struggling with drug use. This showed us just how necessary this campaign is.”

She said the awareness programme had already begun changing attitudes among students by educating them about the health risks and long-term consequences of substance abuse.

“I believe the programme has made a significant impact because many students who had been abusing drugs were able to learn about the harmful effects these substances have on their bodies and their future. It has given them an opportunity to make better choices,” she noted.

Reflecting on her observations during school visits, Aswao said drug abuse appeared to be more common among boys, particularly in mixed schools, although isolated cases continue to emerge across different learning institutions.

She recalled one incident at a Secondary School where a student refused to accept educational materials distributed by the campaign.

“I noticed that his eyes were very red, and from his behaviour, I suspected that he was already using drugs. Experiences like that reminded me how serious the problem has become,” she said.

Aswao emphasised that the conclusion of this year’s campaign does not mark the end of the initiative. She pledged to continue leading awareness activities throughout the region alongside fellow ambassadors and local Drug-Free World clubs.

“As Drug-Free World Ambassador, this work did not begin with this year’s campaign, and it certainly will not end here,” she said. “We shall continue visiting schools, supporting Drug-Free World clubs and reaching institutions that we were unable to visit during this campaign.”

She explained that ambassadors will also conduct follow-up visits to schools already participating in the programme to evaluate progress, identify challenges and strengthen existing clubs.

Addressing students preparing to join universities, particularly those relocating to urban centers, Aswao warned that peer pressure remains one of the leading causes of drug abuse among young adults.

“My advice is simple: always remember why you went to university in the first place,” she said. “Do not allow peer pressure, loneliness or the desire to fit in to lead you into drug abuse. Instead, participate in sports, join a choir, volunteer and engage in activities that keep you focused on your goals.”

She also encouraged parents to prepare their children before they leave home for higher education by openly discussing the risks associated with university life.

“Parents should have honest conversations about drug abuse, peer pressure, financial challenges and the importance of staying focused on education. Without this guidance, many students may become overwhelmed and make poor decisions,” she said.

Aswao further observed that financial hardship and social pressure are increasingly pushing some young women towards drug abuse.

“Some girls compare themselves to friends who appear to have better lifestyles and more money. Instead of finding positive ways to improve their situation, they become discouraged and turn to drugs as a form of escape,” she explained.

She urged young women to focus on education, personal development and acquiring practical skills, stressing that a person’s background should never determine their future.

Concluding the interview, Aswao expressed gratitude to the Drug-Free World organization for bringing the campaign to Uganda and appealed for continued national support.

“Sometimes I think about what our future would look like if programmes like this did not exist. If nothing is done today, drug abuse could become so common that future generations may see it as a normal part of everyday life,” she said.

She called upon parents, teachers, community leaders, government institutions and development partners to work together to safeguard young people from substance abuse.

“Preventing drug addiction requires collective effort. Together, we can protect our young people and build healthier, safer communities.”

The Drug-Free World Campaign concluded after weeks of community outreach across the Teso Sub-region, where ambassadors engaged students, teachers, parents and community leaders through school visits, educational talks, sports activities and the establishment of Drug-Free World clubs aimed at promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles among young people.