The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, has reiterated the Ugandan government’s dedication to addressing terrorism and violent extremism, recognizing them as critical threats to national stability and development.
Speaking at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Lt Gen Musanyufu discussed the findings of the Rapid Threat Assessment Report on Violent Extremism in Uganda, presented by Professor Abdu Katende, the lead consultant for the assessment.
The report highlights emerging trends in violent extremism, vulnerabilities faced by high-risk communities, and strategies to mitigate these threats.
Musanyufu emphasized that peace, security, and defense are indispensable to sustainable economic growth and national unity. “You can’t have economic development if there is instability,” he said.
He pointed to the government’s significant actions to combat terrorism, including the creation of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, which coordinates anti-terrorism efforts across various sectors of government. The Centre operates under the framework of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Strategy and Action Plan.
In recalling Uganda’s history with terrorism, Musanyufu referenced the 1998 bombing at Kichwamba Technical College, where over 80 students lost their lives. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with development partners and civil society to ensure peace and security for all Ugandans.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Her Excellency Susan Namondo, stressed that violent extremism is a broader development issue, intricately linked to inequality, poverty, and limited opportunities, especially for youth. She highlighted the UN’s approach to combating violent extremism, which focuses on human rights, social inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
Namondo argued that addressing societal inequalities is key to preventing radicalisation and strengthening community resilience.
Guillaume Chartrain, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union in Uganda, noted that security challenges, such as terrorism, transcend national borders.
“We face common security challenges that know no borders, and terrorism remains one of the most sensitive threats to international peace and security,” Chartrain said.
He outlined the EU’s efforts to combat terrorism through initiatives like the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCF), which fosters international collaboration in the fight against violent extremism.
The event was organised in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the European Union. It brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from government ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organisations, and religious leaders.
The Rapid Threat Assessment Report focused on 19 districts considered high-risk for violent extremism, including Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kamwengye, Fort Portal, Gulu, Yumbe, Arua, Zombo, Nebbi, Namayingo, Mayuge, Jinja, Buyende, Iganga, Masaka, Lwengo, Kampala, and Wakiso.
