PROGRAM FOR PREVENTION, AWARENESS, COUNSELING AND TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM/ADDICTIVE ILLNESSES (PACTA)
In 2004, World Health Organization ranked Uganda No. 1 in the world in alcohol consumption. PACTA was founded in June 2004 after an assessment of the needs of the local community that had suffered from a long period of war, the global burdens of HIV/AIDS, and the needs of persons and families suffering from the problems of alcohol/drug abuse in Uganda. Northern Uganda has been greatly affected by the war which lasted over 20 years. Currently, the region is experiencing a period of relative peace, the effects of the war can be seen very clearly. Excessive consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs are major causes of domestic violence, poverty, divorce, school drop outs, and criminal activities. PACTA Gulu Recovery Connection was established with a mission to alleviate pain, suffering, and helplessness caused by substance abuse and to strengthen the community capacity to mitigate the impact of substance abuse through addressing logical objectives. The program started with community sensitization and psychosocial support for individuals and families within the community. It has now expanded to schools, prisons, and covers a larger area.