By
Robert Wanzala
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing Uganda’s criminal justice system through a reinforced partnership. During a courtesy visit by Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC’s Regional Representative for East Africa, to the Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, key collaborative initiatives were discussed, aimed at addressing significant challenges within the prison system.
The meeting covered a variety of strategic areas, including crime prevention, improved access to justice, and institutional capacity building. Ms. Mittal emphasized UNODC’s enduring commitment to Uganda, particularly in efforts to counter violent extremism and deliver specialized training for UPS staff. “Prisons are not only places of incarceration, but they are critical in shaping societal outcomes,” she remarked. “UNODC remains committed to supporting Uganda in building a sustainable and resilient correctional system that can effectively contribute to reducing crime and fostering long-term stability.”
Dr. Byabashaija expressed gratitude for the partnership and acknowledged the significant impact of UNODC’s support. He noted improvements in security, counter-radicalization efforts, and the development of a more skilled workforce as direct results of this collaboration. “Through their contributions, we have been able to improve security, counter radicalization, and ensure that our staff are equipped with the necessary skills to address emerging challenges,” he stated.
One of the primary challenges discussed was prison overcrowding, largely due to the increasing number of remanded inmates. Dr. Byabashaija stressed the necessity of continued reforms to facilitate timely justice, reduce congestion, and enhance rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders. “We must continue our efforts to improve the prison system, focusing on providing timely justice for inmates and ensuring that our rehabilitation programs are effective in reintegrating prisoners back into society,” he added.
The discussion also highlighted potential future areas of collaboration, such as environmental crime prevention, wildlife conservation, and expanding paralegal training for both inmates and prison staff. The parties also expressed a commitment to expanding the virtual court system to streamline access to justice and to promoting greater representation of women in prison management. Human rights safeguards and the development of more advanced prisoner classification systems were also cited as key priorities.
Addressing environmental sustainability, Dr. Byabashaija announced new projects aimed at reducing UPS’s environmental footprint. Initiatives include the production of energy-saving briquettes and the adoption of biogas technology to cut down on wood fuel usage, aligning with Uganda’s environmental conservation goals. “We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by using renewable energy sources and promoting sustainability within the prison system,” he said. “These initiatives not only help conserve our environment but also create opportunities for inmates to gain valuable skills that can aid in their rehabilitation.”
The reinforced partnership between UNODC and UPS underscores a shared commitment to building a more effective, humane, and internationally aligned correctional system. With a focus on capacity building, justice reform, and sustainable practices, both organizations are optimistic about transforming Uganda’s criminal justice landscape. “We look forward to continuing this partnership and working together to make meaningful improvements in Uganda’s criminal justice system,” Ms. Mittal concluded.
