Busoga sub-region has been identified as one of the high-risk areas for youth involvement in violent extremism in Uganda. In response, the Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) recently held an orientation meeting at Green Valley Country Resort aimed at strengthening crime prevention and counter-radicalization efforts among the youth in Namayingo district.

The meeting brought together district technical staff, security personnel, religious leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways to combat crime and violent extremism.

According to Mr. Kasirye Rogers, the Executive Director of UYDEL, a recent rapid threat assessment revealed alarming statistics, with 64% of youth aged 15 to 35 engaging in violent extremism.

“The drivers of this issue are complex, including socio-economic challenges, religious ideologies, and media misuse, among other factors,” Kasirye explained.

Mr. Odaako Zadok, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Friday Kyomya, highlighted the increasing unemployment frustrations among youth as a major concern.

“If the youth are left unattended to, they may become Uganda’s problem. In Bugiri district where I reside, there is even a street known for drug abusers,” he warned.

The District Police Commander Ronald Kitanda praised UYDEL for its proactive measures in crime prevention. He emphasized continued collaboration to maintain peace and security in the district.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Faiswali Kabange, and Vice District Chairperson, Kauta Abdullah Twaha, also expressed their gratitude to UYDEL for its efforts in reducing crime rates and promoting positive transformation among young people.

As part of its mission to enhance socio-economic transformation, UYDEL aims to equip youth with skills for self-reliance. With support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the program "Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Uganda," UYDEL focuses on promoting effective, fair, humane, and accountable criminal justice systems.

“The organization is committed to creating awareness to prevent crime and violent extremism among vulnerable youth communities,” Kasirye said