The internal affairs ministry has expressed concern over the rise in illicit drug usage among the youth.

The concern was raised ahead of today's meeting on drug abuse. The meeting of experts from the African continent to be held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala will devise strategies to reduce drug abuse and a way forward against the vice.

Unlike about 10 years ago, the young generation in Uganda today consumes illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuana and petrol.

The permanent secretary of the internal affairs ministry, Stephen Kagoda, said: "We are going to declare war on drug trafficking and usage. It is worrying for our youth to consume drugs without minding about their health and future."

The Government intends to pass the Narcotic Drug Bill to control the trafficking and use of narcotic drugs.