SOCIAL REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF OFFENDERS IN UGANDA Inception,Rationale, Best Practices and Lessons Learned. Paper Presented by: Hasiyo Adams (SWRO) UNAFRI ON 20 TH JANUARY 2012

Introduction Social rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring an offender over time to a position of acceptable behavior, attitude and practices. It is aimed at restoring the offender’s social functioning abilities so that one can have a productive, responsible, law abiding and meaningful life after serving a term in prison It is a social because,like in almost all rehabilitation, the family and community has to be involved to ensure its success.

Social Reintegration refers to the process of preparing the prisoner for the transition from life in prison to the community after release. It follows Social Rehabilitation. As a process it involves several stages, resources and different stakeholders to successfully carry it out. Most activities take place in the community.

Inception of the programme The programme began in 1994 as a response to the high rate of recidivism of 47%. The programme started as a joint initiative between Uganda Prisons Service(UPS) and the United Nations African Institute for Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders.(UNAFRI) The programme was christened “ From Prison Back Home”

Rationale for the Programme To reduce the rate of recidivism in Uganda Prisons Service To decongest prisons through ensuring that the above objective is met To sensetise the community about prisons operations. To reconcile the offenders with the community i.e relatives, friends and victims

Rationale con’td To resettle discharged prisoners in the local communities as law abiding responsible citizens.

Best Practices A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark.(Wikipedia ) Adequate preparation before starting the exercise. Involvement of all social actors in the process. Putting the inmate at the centre of his social rehabilitation and reintegration. Preparation of both the inmate and the community of his destination on the impending release. Documentation of every process for reference. The necessary recourse to the needle logic.

Best Practices cont’d Active engagement of the prisoner six months before release.

Lessons Learned Involvement of local communities in the whole rehabilitation process is vital. Social reintegration is a process that is built on adequate preparation of offenders, local communities and victims. Inmates internal reconciliation is a prerequisite for initiating mediation and restorative justice processes. Use of mediation and reconciliation techniques Taking into account inmates rehabilitation needs is very essential.

Conclusion Social rehabilitation and reintegration programme is very important in making Uganda Prisons Service relevant to its existence as a Department of government. As explicitly put in the Strategic Investment Plan II, Social Rehabilitating inmates and ensuring that they are properly re-integrated in their communities is key to securing a crime free environment.

END. BONNE ANNEE !