LASPNET kicks off implementation of the UNODC project with introductory visits in 20 districts and later inception meetings in Kakumiro and Kibaale districts

22 November 2023 -

Written by Laspnet

From 12^th to 22^nd of November 2023, LASPNET with support from United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime under the project titled “Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme in Uganda”, carried out introductory visits in the 20 selected districts of project implementation and these included Mubende, Hoima, Kabale, Kassanda, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Mbarara, Kabarole, Masindi. Jinja, Iganga, Tororo, Mbale, Moroto, Lira, Adjumani, Yumbe, Arua and Kampala.

LASPNET team headed by Dr. Sylvia Namubiru having a meeting with CAO of Kabarole District Mr. Stephen Rubaihayo and other district leaders.

The main purpose of these visits was to introduce and orient various Local Governments about the UNODC program as well as seek their buy-in and support as critical stakeholders in the successful implementation of the above program.

The Western team was headed by the CEO of LASPNET Dr. Sylvia Namubiru whereas Northern and Eastern team was headed by the Director of Programmes Mr. Badru Walusansa, all supported by LASPNET staff and representatives from implementing partners such as Justice Centres Uganda, Uganda Law Society, Justice Defenders and Law Development Centre and Local Government in the 20 selected program districts.

During the visits, the LASPNET’s team met with different district leaders such as Chief Administrative Officers, LCV, Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Community Development Officers, Probation Officers and Secretaries for Social Services among others. The methodology for these visits encompassed interaction with the district leadership, presentation of the project brief by the heads of the delegation, plenary and discussion of next steps

Overall, the district leaderships welcomed and appreciated LASPNET for having considered their districts for the program. They noted that the program is very timely since their districts are currently experiencing high incidences of crime amidst limited prevention and response mechanisms. The district leaders also decried the scale down in operations of Legal Aid Service Providers in their districts following the exit of DGF as well as the non-functioning of remand homes due to logistical challenges like lack of transport of juveniles to courts of law. It was therefore expected the UNODC program would help to close the gap in legal aid service provision which was the basis upon which the program was fully embraced and welcomed in all the visited districts.

During the engagement, the team leaders also briefly highlighted the key proposed program activities to be executed under the program which include: provision of legal aid services to prisoners and ex-prisoners; development of a manual and IEC materials on crime prevention and legal aid service provision; conducting of trainings for different penal actors on rehabilitation programs and alternatives to imprisonment; establishment of Community Empowerment Centres as well as conducting advocacy initiatives arising out of the program activities.

Additionally, LASPNET underscored the issue of promoting and respecting the rights of all stakeholders under the program. For instance, under the program brief, several marginalized groups such as women, children, youth and PWDs were highlighted for purposes of ensuring that they benefit from the project because often times they are left behind.

A photo moment with LASPNET team and Lira District leadership during Introductory visits in Northern Uganda.

In a nut shell, the project brief was summed up with an assurance made to the district leadership to the effect that LASPNET has in the past collaborated with LGs to implement successful projects such as cost-effective legal aid models in Lwengo and Omoro as well as the GBV elimination project implemented in Buikwe, Mukono and Kayunga with support from the European Union.

These visits provided ground breaking for LASPNET in the implementing districts to commence with the implementation of the UNODC program. The acceptance and readiness with which the program was welcomed across all the Local Governments gives a positive impression that the program will be a success