Beckerleg, Susan (2010) 'Idle and disorderly' khat users in western Uganda. Drugs: Education, Prevention, and Policy, Vol.17 (No.4). pp. 303-314. doi:10.3109/09687630903380244

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Abstract

Aims: To describe and analyse patterns of khat consumption and the response of the authorities to such drug use in Western Uganda.

Methods: Participant-observation and key informant interviews were carried out in Western Uganda during 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Findings: Khat is legal in Uganda but its use, especially when combined with alcohol and cannabis, is linked with violent crime by many Ugandans. In Western Uganda local government authorities have attempted to crack down on khat: in Bushenyi District they have introduced a by-law; in other districts khat traders and consumers face arrest and charges of being 'idle and disorderly'.

Conclusion: The authorities, by clamping down on khat, because they perceive it to be a cause of violent crime, are targeting a substance that is widely reported in the academic literature to cause apathy, not violence.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Health and Social Studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Drugs: Education, Prevention, and Policy
Publisher:	Informa Healthcare
ISSN:	0968-7637
Official Date:	2010
Dates:	Date Event 2010 Published
Volume:	Vol.17
Number:	No.4
Number of Pages:	12
Page Range:	pp. 303-314
DOI:	10.3109/09687630903380244
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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