WINDHOEK – Namibian and Ugandan correctional services on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the ongoing 16th International Corrections and Prisons Association AGM and Conference.
Namibia Correctional Services chief, Commissioner-General, Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela and Uganda Prisons Service chief, Commissioner-Genera,l Dr. Johnson Byabashaija signed the MoU on behalf of the two entities.
The MoU makes provision for co-operation between the signatories in the fields of good governance, human resources strengthening and exchange of information on work experience in the management of prisons/correctional services and the humane treatment of offenders.
It also aims at promoting technical co-operation in the areas of sports, agricultural and veterinary service, staff exchange and training programmes, prison/correction industries, harmonisation of the position of prisons/corrections in Africa and addressing multilateral issues of interest.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hamunyela said it is a memorable occasion between the two countries to formalise the relationship that exists for quite a long time.
He said that his predecessor, retired Commissioner-General, Evaristus Shikongo started the process together with Byabashaija which will be cemented through the MoU.
It is now up to the two countries to implement the MoU as it will serve no purpose if it is left to gather dust on the shelves.
He reminded those present that having a formal relationship is very important as it removes the perception that the relationship is based on individuals, namely the two heads of the services and said that with the formal framework it is clear that it is between the two sister services.
Byabashaija had the audience in laughter as he informed them that it was he who “courted” Shikongo like a man interested in a woman.
He said he has a longstanding admiration for Namibia’s correctional services.
He congratulated prison services on its achievements such as producing its own food for inmates and being able to share it.
He said this is remarkable given Namibia’s semi-desert conditions and told the audience that it is something he attempted to do in his home country without success.
He assured Hamunyela he will definitely make use of the MoU to send members of his team to Namibia to learn from them and invited Namibia to do the same.
By Roland Routh