School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collection

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https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/5617

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Browsing School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collection by Author "Abubaker, Yasin"
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    High school students' perceptions of the effectiveness of drug abuse penalties
    (Makerere University, 2025) Abubaker, Yasin
    This study explored high school students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of drug abuse penalties in selected secondary schools in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. Drug abuse is a growing concern among Ugandan youth, especially in urban schools, where substances like marijuana, spirits, and alcohol are easily accessible. Despite existing disciplinary measures in schools, the rate of student drug involvement remains a serious social and academic problem. This study aimed to examine how students perceive the fairness and effectiveness of current punishments for drug use, what factors influence their views, and how such penalties affect their behavior and attitudes toward drug abuse. The research used Qualitative data were obtained from 25 students using in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions and 7 key informant interviews. Schools were selected through purposive sampling based on type (private or government), accessibility, and relevance to the topic. Students were conveniently selected based on willingness and experience. Findings showed that while many students recognized the importance of penalties in promoting discipline, a significant number perceived the punishments as too harsh, inconsistent, or ineffective. Some students felt that certain punishments, such as suspension or expulsion, did not address the root causes of drug abuse but instead pushed students further into risky behavior. Others reported that guidance, counseling, and peer rehabilitation were more effective in changing behavior. Peer influence, lack of parental involvement, poverty, and stress were identified as major factors influencing students' views on drug use and punishment. The study concludes that while drug-related penalties have some deterrent effect, their effectiveness depends on how fairly and consistently they are applied. Student involvement in developing school rules, better parent-school communication, and more counseling-based approaches are recommended to improve the effectiveness of disciplinary measures. The research contributes to the understanding of youth-centered approaches in school discipline and offers useful insights for policy, school administration, and youth empowerment programs in Uganda.