The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) held a sensitisation workshop for prison officers from the Kampala Extra and Central Regions, focusing on enhancing their understanding of Community Corrections.
The initiative seeks to equip officers with the skills necessary to manage offenders within community-based frameworks, offering alternatives to traditional incarceration.
Assistant Commissioner for Community Corrections, Ms. Sarah Nalwanga, emphasised the critical role of community corrections in reducing prison congestion and recidivism.
"Community corrections provide a structured and humane approach to rehabilitation, addressing the root causes of crime while ensuring public safety," she remarked.
The workshop covered key non-custodial measures, including probation, parole, and community service. These alternatives are designed to rehabilitate low-risk offenders effectively while fostering their reintegration into society.
Ms. Nalwanga also stressed the importance of parole, describing it as a structured program that maintains accountability and supports offenders during reintegration.
"Community partnerships are vital in this process, providing the necessary support systems for successful rehabilitation," she added.
The sensitisation campaign is set to expand to other regions across Uganda, ensuring all prison officers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement community corrections effectively.
This initiative aligns with UPS's mission to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, building a correctional system that balances public safety with offender rehabilitation.