On September 18th, 2024, UYDEL conducted inception talks and an awareness session on drugs, crime, violence, and extremism with the students of Kololo Secondary School, one of the largest day schools in Uganda. UYDEL sincerely thanks the Headteacher, staff, and the Uganda Police for joining UYDEL to promote the UNODC Kampala office, which supported this important activity.

Their discussions focused on how students can avoid, delay, and protect themselves to remain safe and healthy. Using local examples, they emphasised the importance of making good choices, resisting peer pressure, being assertive, and learning to negotiate their way out of risky situations. UYDEL also encouraged them to strengthen communication, build problem-solving skills, and whenever possible, assess risks carefully and even walk away from dangers associated with crime, violence and many vices.

The session also promoted prosocial behaviour as a positive alternative to risky activities. UYDEL reminded students that drugs can damage brain development and that at their age, drug use can have devastating, lifelong consequences. The key message was clear: prevention must be amplified and prioritised to safeguard the future of young people.