Government Reinforces Resolve Against Terrorism And Violent Extremism
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, has emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
During a discussion of the findings of the Rapid Threat Assessment Report on Violent Extremism in Uganda at Imperial Royale, Kampala, the report by Professor Abdu Katende, the consultant leading the assessment, highlighted key trends in violent extremism, the vulnerabilities faced by at-risk communities, and recommendations for tailored responses to mitigate these threats.
Lt Gen Musanyufu underscored the crucial role of peace, security, and defence in achieving sustainable economic development and national unity, stating that “you can’t have economic development if there is instability.” He noted that the government has taken significant steps to combat terrorism and violent extremism, including the establishment of a National Counter Terrorism Centre to coordinate efforts against terrorism, involving all sectors of the government and executing activities outlined in the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Strategy and Action Plan.
Providing historical context, Lt Gen Musanyufu referenced the first attacks in Uganda in 1998 and notable incidents such as the 1998 bombing of Kichwamba Technical College, where over 80 students were murdered. He reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with development partners and civil society organisations to promote sustainable peace and security for all Ugandans.
Lt Gen Musanyufu expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and various other stakeholders in preventing and combating violent extremism in Uganda.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Her Excellency Susan Namondo, observed that the UN recognises violent extremism as a broader development issue intricately linked to inequality, poverty, and limited opportunities for young people. She added that the UN’s comprehensive approach to tackling this challenge emphasises human rights, social inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Namondo stressed the importance of addressing inequalities to prevent radicalisation and build societal resilience, highlighting the critical role of human rights and social inclusion in preventing violent extremism.
Guillaume Chartrain, the deputy ambassador of the European Union in Uganda, stated that security challenges transcend borders and emphasised that terrorism remains a significant threat to international peace and security. Chartrain remarked, “We face common security challenges that know no borders, and terrorism remains one of the most sensitive threats to international peace and security.” He elaborated on the EU’s role in countering terrorism and violent extremism through the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCF), fostering international cooperation to enhance collective capacity for prevention, detection, and response to violent extremism.
The event, organised in partnership between the Government of Uganda and the UNODC with funding from the EU, brought together over 100 key stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organisations, and religious leaders.
The report was carried out in 19 districts identified as high-risk communities for violent extremism: Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kamwengye, Fort Portal, Gulu, Yumbe, Arua, Zombo, Nebbi, Namayingo, Mayuge, Jinja, Buyende, Iganga, Masaka, Lwengo, Kampala, and Wakiso.
