Uganda Prisons trains 70 officers to counter violent extremism

In a bid to combat radicalization and violent extremism within Uganda's prison system, seventy prison officers from the Northern, North Western, and Mid-North regions are undergoing a specialized five-day training program in Gulu City.

The Uganda Prisons Service, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union in Uganda (EUinUG), is spearheading this initiative to manage Violent Extremism Prisoners (VEPs) as part of the country’s wider counter-terrorism efforts.

Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Margaret Orik Obonyo, representing the Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), highlighted the essential role of prison staff in preventing radicalization among inmates.

She called on participants to maintain discipline and adhere to lawful directives while implementing de-radicalization strategies.

“These trainings are crucial for fostering safer communities by equipping officers with skills to identify early signs of radicalization and to address the issue with a balance between security and human rights,” Obonyo emphasized.

This training in Gulu is part of a national effort to train over 400 prison officers. Previous sessions in other regions have yielded positive results, enhancing safety and security within correctional facilities.

The program addresses the global threat of violent extremism and the potential for prisons to become hotbeds for radical ideologies.

By empowering prison officers with the knowledge to effectively manage VEPs, Uganda aims to mitigate these risks and rehabilitate offenders while upholding their fundamental rights.

This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s counter-terrorism strategy and securing the future of its correctional institutions.