Kabale Prisons Boss Calls for Church and Community Support in Inmate Rehabilitation

Senior Superintendent of Prisons Julius Kisembo has underscored the critical need for greater involvement from the Church and wider community in supporting inmates. Speaking at a Thanksgiving Mass for Ndorwa Prison officers in Kabale, Kisembo urged religious and community leaders to see prisoners not just as offenders, but as individuals capable of transformation and reintegration into society.

The Uganda Prisons Service aims to do more than simply detain individuals; it strives to equip them with essential skills, discipline, and moral values to prepare them for life beyond incarceration. Kisembo encouraged Christians to extend their support beyond material donations, suggesting regular visits to offer hope and encouragement, drawing parallels from biblical teachings.

He acknowledged the existing spiritual support from institutions like Kabale Diocese and various parish priests, highlighting how these interactions help inmates feel valued. Kisembo also revealed that a significant portion of the inmate population at Ndorwa Prison, approximately 80%, comprises young men aged 18 to 35.

Kisembo attributed some of the youth’s offenses to substance abuse and urged parents to play a more active role in guiding their children. He also called on local leaders to strengthen community-level mediation and reconciliation efforts to prevent minor disputes from escalating into criminal cases that contribute to the growing prison population.

Ultimately, Kisembo stressed that successful rehabilitation must be complemented by effective reintegration strategies, enabling former inmates to contribute positively to society and avoid a return to criminal activity. The call is for a collective responsibility to address the factors leading to incarceration, particularly among the youth.

Source: Nile Post