09/07/2026
Today, we concluded the regional refresher training and monitoring exercise for the Eastern Region with engagements in Iganga and Tororo Districts.
In Tororo, participants highlighted the growing concern over a group commonly referred to as "Team No Sleep," which has been linked to incidents of drug abuse and insecurity within local communities. Community Actors emphasized the need for a coordinated response involving police, local leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders to address the problem through prevention, enforcement, counselling, and community support.
A key issue raised during the discussions was the high cost of rehabilitation services, which many participants said has become a major obstacle to the successful reintegration of former offenders and individuals recovering from substance abuse. Community Actors called for greater investment in rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, noting that there are currently limited organizations and partners specifically focused on supporting this process.
Participants also shared a promising community-based approach in which Community Actors divided themselves into smaller teams to conduct one-on-one engagements with individual families. Through counselling, sensitization, and continuous follow-up, they reported that many young people had been guided away from drug abuse and extremist influences, leading to positive behavioural change within their communities.
Another notable success story was the use of community service as an alternative to imprisonment. While community service has existed for some time, participants explained that the introduction of modest financial incentives for offenders undertaking community service has increased participation and commitment. According to the Community Actors, this innovative approach has contributed to reducing prison congestion while supporting the successful reintegration of offenders and lowering repeat offending.
Community Actors further recommended targeted training for Local Council Courts and paralegals on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. They observed that these community-based structures are often the first point of contact for many residents and, if better equipped, could play an even greater role in preventing crime and supporting safer communities.
Avocats Sans Frontières UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS Uganda Police Force Uganda Law Society Since 1956 Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity - UCLF Judiciary UG JLOS Justice Centres Uganda Justice Nambowa Sylvia Namubiru Center for Health, Human rights and Development HiiL Uganda Public Interest Law Clinic -Pilac
