UN assures UPDF of support towards fight against terrorism

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has assured Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of support towards the fight against terrorism.

Sylvia Kabaki, acting UNOCT head of the Nairobi Programme Office, said fighting violent extremism requires sustainable engagement and continuous learning within strategic communications.

“I reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting interagency coordination and community-led government initiatives,” Kabaki said. Kabaki was speaking at the closure of a three-day workshop organized by UNOCT in Kampala in collaboration with the European Union and Uganda’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre. The workshop largely attended by media practitioners, revealed challenges in incorporating preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).

UNOCT, EU and UPDF said PCVE issues cross into the daily news and information which enhances the need for strategic communication involving media and other stakeholders. The participants also raised concerns about the lack of government experts available for media engagement and bureaucratic hurdles within government communication processes.

Col Alex Tumushabe, UPDF’s director of planning and policy at Uganda’s National Terrorism Centre, said the workshop formed part of the broader project titled “Strengthening Efforts to Prevent Violent Extremism and Enhance Human Rights Safeguards in Uganda.”

According to Col Tumushabe the workshop aimed at helping the Ugandan government prevent violent extremism and strengthen resilience against radicalisation and providing technical training on monitoring and evaluating strategic communication campaigns.

“This workshop has offered valuable insights into the effectiveness of current strategies. It raises awareness, changes perceptions, and improves engagement. I assure you that the Ugandan government will continue refining its approach to optimise communication strategies and campaigns,” Col Tumushabe said.

Uganda has experienced terrorist activities in the recent past. Over 70 people were killed last year in terrorist activities linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). At least 40 of the more than 70 people involved in terror acts last year were students of Lhubiriha secondary school at Mpondwe town at the Uganda-DRC border.

****

URN