Jackie Chandiru has criticized Ugandans for their lack of understanding and empathy towards drug addiction.
The former Blu*3 member expressed her frustration, calling out those who oversimplify the challenges faced by addicts.
“When someone is struggling, they’re told to just stop taking drugs and be well, but it’s a bigger struggle than they even think,” Chandiru stated.
Jackie Chandiru, who battled a severe drug addiction, knows firsthand the devastating effects it can have. At the height of her addiction, she lost control of her career and her health.
She was constantly injecting herself with drugs, leaving her body covered in painful wounds. Her family fought hard to get her the help she needed, eventually transferring her to a rehabilitation center in Nairobi, Kenya. After undergoing intensive treatment in a new environment, she finally recovered.
Despite her journey to recovery, Chandiru remains disheartened by the lack of awareness about addiction in Uganda. She noted that instead of offering support, many Ugandans ridicule those who are struggling.
“Ugandans don’t understand addiction, and it seems like they never will. Instead of helping, they just laugh and mock people who are trying to recover,” she said.
Chandiru urged society to adopt a more compassionate approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting those battling addiction.
“I see Ugandans that don’t understand drug addiction as stupid. People are dying every day because of it, and instead of helping, they laugh at those struggling to survive and get better,” she remarked.