Ugandan: Judiciary Clarifies That Marijuana Has Not Been Legalized After Constitutional Court Repeals Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act

The Judiciary has recently issued a statement in response to the Constitutional Court’s decision to repeal the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015, which prohibited the sale and use of various narcotic drugs in the country, the court’s decision has caused confusion among the public, with some claiming that the use of marijuana has been legalized.

To clarify this issue, the Judiciary has dismissed these claims as false and inaccurate. They have emphasized that the court’s decision did not, in any way, legalize the use of restricted drugs and substances under the impugned law.

Moreover, the Judiciary has pointed out that the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, which was previously replaced by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, of 2015, remains in place to fill the gap. Therefore, the annulment of the Act does not invalidate the provisions of sections 26, 29, 47, 49 and 60 (1) (b) and (c) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, which is now the applicable law in regulating and using restricted substances, like marijuana. Hence, the substances that were previously restricted under the National Drug Policy and Authority Act still remain restricted.

In light of this statement, the police have also confirmed that they will continue enforcing the National Drug Policy and Authority Act after the annulment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015.

It is essential to note that this decision has sparked debates and discussions about the country’s drug policies and regulations. The Judiciary’s statement serves as a clarification to the public and aims to provide a better understanding of the court’s decision. The authorities’ commitment to enforcing the National Drug Policy and Authority Act reinforces the government’s stance on regulating and controlling restricted substances in the country. As the issue unfolds, it is essential to remain informed and updated about any developments related to the case.