Uganda Prisons Service: Emphasis on Rehabilitation Amidst Rising Youth Crime

• The Uganda Prisons Service is grappling with a growing number of young people behind bars, with about 80% of inmates between 18 and 35 years old.
• Community-based mediation and reconciliation mechanisms are crucial in preventing minor disputes from escalating into criminal cases.
• Proper reintegration programs for former inmates are essential to enable them to contribute to social and economic development.

He said inmates should not be judged solely by the crimes they committed but should also be viewed as members of society capable of changing and returning to their communities as responsible citizens.

The Uganda Prisons Service is grappling with a significant challenge - the growing number of young people behind bars. According to Senior Superintendent of Prisons Julius Kisembo, who oversees Ndorwa Government Prison, about 80% of inmates are between 18 and 35 years old. This alarming trend has prompted Kisembo to urge parents to take greater responsibility for guiding their children, as many crimes committed by young people can be attributed to drug abuse and alcoholism.

Kisembo believes that community-based mediation and reconciliation mechanisms are crucial in preventing minor disputes from escalating into criminal cases. He has urged local leaders and elders to strengthen these mechanisms at the community level, citing instances where people have ended up in prison over issues that could have been resolved through mediation. By promoting community-based conflict resolution, Kisembo hopes to reduce the number of young people entering the prison system.

The Uganda Prisons Service is not just about detaining offenders; it also aims to equip inmates with skills, discipline, and moral values to prepare them for life after prison. Kisembo emphasized the importance of proper reintegration programs for former inmates, enabling them to contribute to social and economic development rather than returning to crime. He commended Kabale Diocese and other organizations for their spiritual support to inmates, which has helped prisoners feel valued and connected to their communities.

Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of the emphasis on community-based mediation and reconciliation mechanisms to prevent minor disputes from escalating into criminal cases, as well as the importance of proper reintegration programs for former inmates to contribute to social and economic development.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post