Complementary National Response for Linkage, and Retention Mechanism of offenders transitioning from prisons to community in Uganda.
Networking | Online
About the Event
The reintegration of ex-offenders into society in Uganda poses significant challenges, particularly for those with chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and undiagnosed illnesses like Hepatitis B. Despite the critical need for continuity of care, Uganda's prison system lacks structured strategies to link released prisoners to community healthcare services, leaving many at risk of treatment interruptions, health deterioration, and exclusion from essential support systems.
In Uganda, where prisons are overpopulated, operating at over 367% capacity, and healthcare systems are under-resourced, disease transmission and limited access to care are further exacerbated. Although organizations like UPS, PEPFAR, and CDC have made strides in improving healthcare within prisons in Uganda, the transition to community-based care remains a major gap.
The lack of comprehensive health examinations and referral mechanisms, coupled with the absence of systematic discharge planning, heightens public health risks and challenges the successful reintegration of ex-offenders. This situation not only prolongs health inequalities but also increases the risk of disease transmission and recidivism.
Additionally, stigma and discrimination associated with incarceration further hinder ex-offender's ability to access essential resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare, leaving them marginalized and vulnerable. These systemic barriers make successful reintegration even more difficult.
To address these issues, TUNMAPS has designed a plan aimed at bridging the gaps in transition, retention and continuity of care for ex-offenders. The initiative focuses on developing referral tools such as manuals and registers, providing capacity building for prison staff, and implementing an SMS-based platform to ensure seamless communication between prisons and community health facilities. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will also be established to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions.
In Uganda, where prisons are overpopulated, operating at over 367% capacity, and healthcare systems are under-resourced, disease transmission and limited access to care are further exacerbated. Although organizations like UPS, PEPFAR, and CDC have made strides in improving healthcare within prisons in Uganda, the transition to community-based care remains a major gap.
The lack of comprehensive health examinations and referral mechanisms, coupled with the absence of systematic discharge planning, heightens public health risks and challenges the successful reintegration of ex-offenders. This situation not only prolongs health inequalities but also increases the risk of disease transmission and recidivism.
Additionally, stigma and discrimination associated with incarceration further hinder ex-offender's ability to access essential resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare, leaving them marginalized and vulnerable. These systemic barriers make successful reintegration even more difficult.
To address these issues, TUNMAPS has designed a plan aimed at bridging the gaps in transition, retention and continuity of care for ex-offenders. The initiative focuses on developing referral tools such as manuals and registers, providing capacity building for prison staff, and implementing an SMS-based platform to ensure seamless communication between prisons and community health facilities. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will also be established to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions.
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Solomon Musiitwa | Team Leader | He is a dedicated surgeon holding Master’s degree in Surgery and degree in Medicine and laboratory with expertise in both clinical practice and research. In addition he has deep commitment to evidence-based programming, M&E and health equity for prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families in Uganda. |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Moreen Nakimuli | Medical coordinator | As the Medical Coordinator for TUNMAPS, she leads health programs for prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families. She oversees medical outreach, HIV/AIDS response, and rehabilitation efforts, while also coordinating monitoring and evaluation to ensure impact and accountability, focusing on promoting health equity and improving the well-being of underserved communities. |