1. The Aviator Hotel – South Africa Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN)
Transition from law enforcement to protecting the rights of People who use drugs
The Aviator Hotel – South Africa
16th June 2016
Mr. Wamala Twaibu
Executive Director
Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN)

2. WHO IS UHRN?
Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN) is a youth led drug user initiative established in 2008 to respond to the drug use crisis in Uganda Since Inception UHRN has been advocating at a national platform for health and policy programs that promote good practices and supportive environment for the implementation and expansion of harm reduction programs for people who use and Inject drugs in Uganda. UHRN through its programming has committed its self to raise awareness and promote effective access to quality prevention, treatment, care and support services for people who use and inject drugs (PWUIDs), living with and affected by HIV, TB, Hepatitis and other related health issues.

3. Current Situation in Uganda- Law Enforcement Officials
Treat Drug users as criminals
Antinarcotic Law 2015 in place but not yet gazetted
War on drugs

4. Transition from Law enforcement official to protecting PWIUDs rights
Conduct of Law enforcement officials
Harassment of PWIUDs is rampant
Violation of human rights (More Especially PWIUDs)
Frequent arrests of Drug Users from their hotspots
Money extortions from the arrested Drug Users
No right to fair hearing when PWIUDs are taken to court
Framing of cases against the PWIUDs on capital offense
Fabricating evidence against the arrested PWIUDs
Selling of drugs to the community after seizing them from drug traffickers

5. Transition from Law enforcement official to protecting PWIUDs rights
Why transition?
Fight for the rights of PWIUDs
Advocate for policy reforms
Create awareness about drug issues to the country
Engage and inform Law enforcement officers about the health rights of PWIUDs
Advocate for justice and equity for PWIUDs when arrested
To fight social discrimination among the community
To fight for recognition for a drug user as a responsible person in the community other than being seen as a criminal

6. Challenges faced by Drug Users at the hands of Law enforcement officers
Violence and police harassment of PWIUDs are barriers to effective HIV/AIDS responses
Un-conducive legal environment that focuses on criminality remaining grossly weak and lacking on areas of awareness, rehabilitation or social re- integration, treatment as well as aftercare rather focussing on crime.
Limited awareness on the harm reduction interventions and right based approach
The capacity to reform laws and policies that constrain HIV and AIDS responses is wanting. (Antinarcotic Act 2015, HIV/AIDS prevention Act 2014)
Social discrimination by the community is one of the leading causes for drug users in accessing health services in Uganda.
No access to medication of PWUIDs Under detention.

7. Recommendations
Involve Law Enforcement officers in networking meetings
Train Law enforcement officers in Harm reduction interventions and policy reforms
Introducing and extending Harm Reduction interventions in Prisons
Training PWIUDs to know and demand their rights
Involve Law enforcement officers in Advocacy campaigns
Engaging Law Enforcement officers in outreach activities
Dialoging with Law Enforcement Officers together with PWIUD.
Engaged Law enforcement officers in Various studies (“Drug use and their Vulunability to HIV/AIDS” and on going study “Generation of information on human rights implications of Antinarcotic Law 2015.)
Train Law enforcement officers to recognize the rights of PWIUDs
Build Capacity of Law enforcement officers to understand the developed policies and guidelines to help operationalize PWID programs
Build Capacity of Law enforcement officers to be partners in delivering services to PWIUDs (Referrals and Linkages) – “Support Don’t Punish”
Meaningful engagement of people who use drugs and Law enforcement officers in policy formulation, planning and implementation.
Training of Law enforcement officers to be supporters in implementing Harm Reduction Interventions

8. THANK YOU “Together we can be partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS” ‘SUPPORT DON’T PUNISH”