The Officer in Charge of Ndorwa Government Prison, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Julius Kisembo, has urged religious and community leaders to play a greater role in rehabilitating and reintegrating prisoners.
Kisembo made the appeal during a Thanksgiving Mass for Ndorwa Prison officers at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Kabale Municipality.
He said inmates should not be judged solely by the crimes they committed but should also be viewed as members of society capable of changing and returning to their communities as responsible citizens.
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According to Kisembo, the Uganda Prisons Service does more than detain offenders, as it also equips inmates with skills, discipline and moral values to prepare them for life after prison.
"I want to urge Christians to go beyond donating food and other items, and instead visit prisoners regularly to give them hope and encouragement," Kisembo said.
He cited Hebrews 13:3, which calls on Christians to remember prisoners, and Matthew 25:40, which teaches that serving "the least of these" is equivalent to serving Christ.
Kisembo commended Kabale Diocese, parish priests, prison chaplains and the Legion of Mary for their continued spiritual support to inmates, saying regular visits help prisoners feel valued and connected to their communities.
"We have a large number of youth in Ndorwa Prison. About 80% of inmates are between 18 and 35 years," Kisembo said.
He attributed some of the crimes committed by young people to drug abuse and alcoholism and called on parents to take greater responsibility for guiding their children.
Kisembo also urged local leaders and elders to strengthen mediation and reconciliation mechanisms at community level to resolve minor disputes before they escalate into criminal cases.
"Some people end up in prison over disputes that could have been settled at community level," he said.
He said the Church, parents, elders and community leaders share responsibility for addressing factors contributing to the growing prison population, particularly among young men.
Kisembo further stressed that rehabilitation must be followed by proper reintegration to enable former inmates to contribute to social and economic development rather than return to crime.
Meanwhile, Rev Fr Fabias Ariganyira, a Holy Spirit missionary, encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and prayer, saying God answers those who persevere.
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In his homily, Fr Ariganyira used the story of the Canaanite woman who persistently sought Jesus' help to encourage Christians not to give up during difficult times.
He urged Christians facing unemployment, family problems and single parenthood not to abandon their faith when prayers appear unanswered, and encouraged them to return with thanksgiving when their prayers are answered.
