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)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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