An evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism in Uganda Prisons : a case study of Uganda Prisons Upper-Luzira

Abstract

The effect of incarceration on former prisoners has been a very common topic of discussion for many years throughout the world (Allan et al., 2006). In Africa, recidivism is seen to be the prisoners’ norm with many factors presenting themselves as the reasons why a prisoner having gone through the justice system and convectional facility would want to re-offend in order to go back to the prison. As of December 2022, the Uganda Prisons Service recorded a population of 74,414 prisoners and 12,180 staff operating in 265 custodial prison units countrywide, with a recidivism rate of about 35% (UPS, 2022). The Uganda Prisons Service has put several interventions that include programs aimed at reducing the recidivism rate in Uganda. Despite these programs, recidivism has persisted and is not reducing in the prison facilities all over the country. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of prison rehabilitation programs on reducing recidivism using a case of Uganda Prisons, Upper-Luzira. Working with the Albert Bandura ‘s Social Cognitive Theory of 1986 and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) promulgated by Icek Ajzen in 1985, a conceptual framework was drawn to summarise the research idea and portray the relationship between prison rehabilitation programs as independent variable and recidivism as dependent variable. Literature was reviewed under themes that reflect specific research objectives and research variables to explore previous studies and information gaps. A cross-sectional design was adopted with a case study approach that used questionnaires as tools to support the quantitative study. A case study was adopted to not only support quantitative study, but also to hear the voices of the actual prisoners, recidivists, and prison staff on matters of prison rehabilitation programs and recidivism at Uganda Prisons, Upper Luzira. A total of 257 respondents participated in qualitative study reflecting 92% response rate. Through the application of statistical packages of social sciences, the study analysed the effectiveness of existing prison rehabilitation programs on reducing recidivism. The study findings revealed that the existing prison rehabilitation programs for reducing recidivism are effective albeit with a few challenges of implementation paused by the absence of uniform curriculum. The study recommends a creation and adoption of a standardized curriculum for respective rehabilitation programs. This will enhance consistency and quality of programs, as well as addressing diverse needs of inmates who often come from varied backgrounds.