Uganda Prison Service, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union in Uganda have launched a training program for prison officers within the Kigezi, Kooki, Southern and South Western Regions in combating violent extremism, preventing radicalization to violence and promoting human rights safeguards in prisons.
The five-day training, kicked off at Mbarara City’s Lake View Hotel, with 70 officers from various stations including Kakika, Ndorwa, Rukungiri, Ntungamo, Masaka, Ssaza, Isingiro, Kiruhura, Bushenyi, Mutukula, and Mbarara Prisons participating.
The threat of violent extremism poses a great challenge to global peace and security, with prisons vulnerable to radigezicalization and recruitment by various extremist groups.
Uganda’s geographical location and past experiences with extremist groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and Al-Shabaab, highlights the need for proactive measures.
Mr. Simon Alex Ben Wansadha, Commissioner of Prisons (Safety, Security Operations) emphasized that Prisons officers are the frontline defenders against radicalization. Enhancing their capacity is key in preventing the spread of violent extremism.
“The training will focus on international best practices in managing violent extremist prisoners, with a special emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. We must ensure that our prisons do not become breeding grounds for extremist ideologies, but rather centers for rehabilitation and transformation,” Mr. Wansadha stressed.
Mr. Celestine Twesigye, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (RPC – South Western) added that countering violent extremism begins with our officers. This training is vital in equipping them to address this growing concern.
Mr. Peter Nuwagaba, Superintendent of Prisons and Coordinator of the Program, noted that the training will equip officers with skills to identify early warning signs of radicalization, develop effective rehabilitation programs, and foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity within prisons.
The program aims to reach over 400 prison officers nationwide, covering all 19 administrative regions. Previous sessions have already been conducted in Kampala Extra, Central, North Central, South Eastern, East Central, and Iganga regions.
