Uganda’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre has received a significant boost in its efforts to combat violent extremism, thanks to a consignment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The new equipment and resources are set to enhance both the Centre’s operational capacity and its public outreach programmes.

The UNODC has been working alongside various stakeholders on a project aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism while safeguarding human rights.

Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, expressed deep appreciation for the UNODC’s support, acknowledging the vital role of international partners, including the European Union. He stressed that, “This fight is not an individual country fight. It’s an international fight, and we do appreciate that support.”

Ms Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of the UNODC office in Uganda, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the organisation’s collaborative work with member states to promote peace and security. She remarked, “In Uganda, we are privileged, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Counterterrorism Centre, to have worked collectively on a project entitled strengthening efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism while safeguarding human rights standards.”

Ms Nyambe also noted that the newly received equipment would help bolster coordination efforts led by the Centre, enabling the dissemination of crucial information, providing training, and building capacity to better understand the key drivers of violent extremism.

Brig Gen Dominic Twesigomwe, Commandant of Uganda’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, explained that the Centre coordinates counter-terrorism activities at national, regional, and international levels, working closely with ministries, departments, agencies, civil society, and non-governmental organisations. He observed that, “As National Counter-Terrorism, we are majorly trying to balance the kinetic means and the soft approach. But our strategy for National Counter-Terrorism and violent extremism, we normally put human rights at the forefront as we are fighting terrorism.”

In recent weeks, the National Counter-Terrorism Centre has spearheaded a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing coordination, strategic communication, and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).

These efforts include the training of 400 prison staff in handling violent extremist prisoners and providing PCVE training to 50 participants from various ministries, departments, agencies, and civil society organisations