United Front: Uganda Combats Violent Extremism Through Enhanced Collaboration

In a decisive effort to address the escalating threat of violent extremism, government bodies, civil society organisations, and international partners have been urged to bolster their partnerships.

 

This call to action follows the successful implementation of the “Strengthening Efforts to Prevent Violent Extremism and Enhance Human Rights Safeguards in Uganda” project.

 

Launched by the Government of Uganda through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the initiative collaborates with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and various civil society organisations, with support from the European Union.

 

During a meeting in Kampala yesterday with the National Project Steering Committee, Brigadier General Twesigomwe, Commandant of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, stressed the critical importance of the project aimed at preventing violent extremism while enhancing human rights safeguards. He highlighted the urgent need for action against the existential threats of violent extremism and terrorism.

 

Brig Gen Twesigomwe acknowledged the complexities involved but commended the ongoing efforts supported by the European Union and other organisations. He emphasised the necessity of approaching the issue from multiple angles, including criminal and legal perspectives, to devise comprehensive solutions.

 

From a criminal standpoint, he noted that the strategy involves employing all available tools, including law enforcement and legal expertise. He asserted that human rights must be integral to counter-terrorism efforts, stating that effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing.

 

The Brig Gen underscored the need for a balance between hard and soft power, ensuring harmonious cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies to achieve the desired outcomes.

 

Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Uganda, pointed out the persistent challenges posed by direct threats to national security, violent extremism, and the radicalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly youth, women, and children. She noted that increased online activity among young people has heightened their exposure to online radicalisation and recruitment.

 

Nyambe commended the Ugandan government for its leadership and commitment to preventing violent extremism through the development of a national strategy. She reiterated the importance of focusing on human rights, security, and sustainable development, highlighting the roles of government, civil society, and religious leaders in addressing inequality and socio-economic gaps.

 

She expressed gratitude to the European Union, the Ugandan government, and other key stakeholders for their ongoing support, emphasising the need for continued collaboration in the fight against violent extremism.

 

The project’s objective is to tackle the threats posed by violent extremist groups by assisting the government in developing an effective strategy for preventing and countering violent extremism, while fostering resilience against radicalisation.