Prisons Trains Officers on Community Corrections to Ease Jail Congestion
Speaking during the workshop, Sarah Nalwanga, assistant commissioner for Community Corrections, highlighted the critical role of community corrections in reducing recidivism and addressing prison congestion.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has conducted a sensitization workshop for prison officers from the Kampala Extra and Central Regions, focusing on enhancing their understanding of community corrections.
The initiative aims to equip officers with the skills and knowledge needed to manage offenders within community-based frameworks, promoting rehabilitation and reducing the strain on Uganda’s prison facilities.
Speaking during the workshop, Sarah Nalwanga, assistant commissioner for Community Corrections, highlighted the critical role of community corrections in reducing recidivism and addressing prison congestion.
She underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach to rehabilitation, focusing on the root causes of crime and providing support systems that aid offender reintegration.
“Parole and other non-custodial measures are structured programs that not only support offender rehabilitation but also maintain accountability,” Nalwanga noted.
She further emphasized the role of community partnerships in creating a supportive environment for offenders transitioning back into society.
The workshop covered key aspects of community corrections, including probation, parole, and community service—alternative sentencing options for low-risk offenders.
These measures are designed to address public safety while providing offenders with opportunities for meaningful rehabilitation outside prison walls.
UPS plans to extend the sensitization campaign to other regions nationwide, ensuring that all officers are equipped to implement community corrections effectively.
The initiative aligns with UPS’ broader mandate to promote offender rehabilitation and reintegration, ultimately contributing to a more humane and efficient correctional system.
By investing in the training of its personnel, UPS seeks to balance public safety with offender welfare, paving the way for sustainable solutions to Uganda’s correctional challenges.
