Joint UNOCT/UNCCT-UNODC-CTED project on supporting the management of violent extremist prisoners and the prevention of radicalization to violence in prisons
Uganda Prisons Service received equipment
In June and July 2020, the Uganda Prisons Service received videoconferencing, computer, and sports equipment to support the launch of its rehabilitation and reengagement programme for violent extremist prisoners (VEPs). The equipment was provided through the joint UNOCT/UNCCT, UNODC, and CTED project called “Supporting the management of VEPs and the prevention of radicalization to violence in prisons”.
The equipment will be used to enhance the prisoners’ communication with the outside world, build family relations, provide recreation opportunities, develop prisoners’ skills through sport and education. It will also supports capacity building of staff in the Uganda Prisons Service.
The sizable consignment was received by the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Omuhunde Rwashote Byabashaija, during a ceremony at Luzira Prison in Kampala on 30 June 2020. In July the equipment was distributed to 16 different prisons which work with violent extremist prisoners.
The VEPs project also aims to assist corrections services in Kazakhstan, Tunisia, and Uganda to implement new rehabilitation and reengagement practices and test new approaches when working with violent extremist prisoners. The project encourages correctional institutions in participating countries to pilot innovative programmes. It also provides expertise and technical support to develop rehabilitation and reengagement approaches and programmes, as well as implementing professional development opportunities into training curricula for prison staff.
The four-year joint initiative on “Supporting the management of VEPs and the prevention of radicalization to violence in prisons” runs from 2018 to 2021. It is co-funded by the European Union, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, and is implemented in partnership with national partners.