Recent reports indicate that Uganda is a conduit for illicit drugs from southwest Asia destined for markets in Europe, and that drugs are also cultivated in Uganda. The Monitor put questions about this to Mariam Sissoko, the Programme Management Officer for the U.N. International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) Regional Office for Eastern Africa based in Nairobi, which covers Uganda. Here are the questions and answers:

The Monitor: I have read that Uganda has the weakest laws on drug trafficking in the East African region and therefore has become a conduit in the international drug trade. Is this so? Is UNDCP working on advocacy to strengthen Uganda’s drug laws?

Mariam Sissoko: The current drug control legislation of Uganda is indeed weak, and makes it difficult to adequately implement the provisions of the three UN Conventions on drug control to which Uganda has

acceded. A new legislation has been pending cabinet approval for quite some time. We are encouraging the national authorities to approve the new legislation as a matter of priority.

TM: Some police officers have alleged that powerful politicians in Uganda are benefiting from the drug trade and therefore do not want to see stronger narcotics legislation put on the books. What do you think of these allegations?

MS: I would not comment on these allegations, having no direct proof to substantiate them. I was however informed by a reliable source that cannabis cultivation is taking place in some areas with the full knowledge of elected officials from these constituencies.

TM: In the UNDCP report "The Drug Nexus in Africa," it is alleged that heroin (flown into Uganda) and homegrown bhang are transported to Kenya. From where are drugs coming into Uganda? Where do they go to from Uganda? How extensive is drug production in Uganda? Which drugs are being produced where?

MS: Cannabis is not only cultivated in Kenya but it is also cultivated in Tanzania and Kenya and widely trafficked between these three countries.

Heroin entering Uganda (and most other countries of Eastern Africa) originates from South-west Asia (Pakistan and India mainly). The substance is probably destined to the emerging markets for local heroin use in Uganda, and also to neighbouring countries, Southern Africa countries and probably also Europe and

North America.

Drug production: Cannabis is the only known substance under control to be cultivated in Uganda. From the information available to us, there is no other substance under international control being illegally produced in the country.