On Wednesday June, 12 2024, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has strengthened its partnership with the Uganda Prisons Service, enhancing crime prevention and criminal justice in the country. At a ceremony held at the Prisons Academy and Training School (PATS), UNODC handed over essential books and forms to support the prisons service.

The donated resources include vital daily operational tools and legal materials, aimed at enhancing the capacity of Prisons Officers in managing inmates and maintaining accurate records. Mr. Milton Tiyo, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons (Director Correctional Services), expressed gratitude to UNODC for their support, emphasizing the significance of these resources in ensuring effective prison management.

Mr. Tiyo stressed the need for regular training of social workers, as learned during a benchmark visit to the Namibian Correctional Service. He also highlighted the importance of commitment and dedication from Prisons Officers in rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates.

Mr. Jeffrey Bawa, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer at UNODC Headquarters, outlined the program's focus areas, including access to justice, prevention of violent extremism, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, human rights observance, and strengthening intelligence and security systems.

Ms. Sharon Nyambe, UNODC Head of Office in Kampala, emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in reducing recidivism rates. She stressed the need to equip prisoners with support and resources to facilitate their successful reentry into society, thereby reducing the likelihood of further offenses. Nyambe underscored the pivotal role of the partnership with the Uganda Prisons Service in achieving this objective and affirmed the commitment to fostering innovative methods for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Mr. Aggrey Atugwanirire, Commissioner of Prisons (Planning), acknowledged UNODC's support in various areas, including training Prisons Officers in data management, benchmark visits to Namibia, production of prisons books and forms (phase one), prisons conditions assessment, and the development of the Uganda Prisons Correctional Policy.

He also mentioned research studies and the development of fully functional information management systems.

The partnership between UNODC and Uganda Prisons Service is crucial in enhancing the country's criminal justice system. The donated books and forms will be dispatched to all prisons nationwide, ensuring that Prisons Officers have the necessary tools to carry out their duties effectively.