International Narcotics Control, an Analysis of Uganda’s Level of Compliance with its Obligations Under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1966

Abstract

Until the end of the 19th century, trade in narcotics was considered a legitimate business. Misuse of addiction-producing substances was thought to be the result of ingrained habits in particular areas of the world. The problem was considered a domestic one. However, the advancement in technology and the expansion of transport and world trade introduced a new dimension. An increasing number of alkaloids and derivatives were being produced from opium and coca leaves and easily distributed. In addition, a large number of psychotropic substances were developed and their consumption increased enormously; hence, problems once considered local became global. By 1994, the majority of countries Uganda inclusive were parties to one or more of the United Nations treaties like the Single Convention on narcotic drugs 1961, Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988. These treaties contain obligations whose compliance with by State parties play a great role in controlling the illicit inflow of narcotic drugs within jurisdictions of state parties. Despite being a state party to the Single Convention on Narcotic drugs 1961, Uganda still has a problem of narcotic drugs trafficking. This poses a question as to whether Uganda is complying with its obligations under the Single Convention on narcotic drugs and if so, to what extent and if not, what factors are hindering its level of compliance. This paper examines Uganda’s level of compliance with its obligations under the Single Convention and the challenges hindering the level of compliance. The author lends an argument that Uganda has largely complied with its obligations and that the challenges hindering full compliance are associated with among others; inadequate legislative frameworks, ineffective administrative mechanisms, the negative attitude of the people towards narcotic drugs, and insufficient resources for the proper enforcement of controls. The author concludes by making recommendations on how the problem of narcotic drugs can best be dealt with in the Country.