Counter-terrorism security operatives in the country are shifting their strategy, advocating for softer approaches to combat terrorism and violent extremism, moving beyond traditional security measures.
This approach recognizes that addressing the root causes of terrorism requires a more nuanced understanding, involving community engagement, dialogue, and collaboration with various stakeholders, including civil society, local government, and religious leaders.
According to David Wasswa Ssengendo, Director of Counterterrorism in the Uganda Police Force, this softer approach involves building relationships with local communities, understanding their concerns, receiving feedback, and empowering them to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
Wasswa acknowledges that traditional security measures are no longer enough, and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of terrorism is required.
He said terrorism is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all definition, and its causes are multifaceted.
He emphasized the need to look beyond the act of terrorism itself and explore the factors that drive individuals to engage in such behavior.
He notes that by the time a terrorist act is committed, the individual has already walked a journey of recruitment, deception, and radicalization.
As such, Wasswa said to effectively combat terrorism, security operatives are exploring softer approaches, including community engagement, dialogue, and understanding to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
The head of counterterrorism in the police, Wasswa, made the remarks on Monday in Ntinda, Kampala, while presiding over the official opening of Hongera Saana Uganda, a Presidential Mobilization Body dedicated to fostering peace, stability, and development in the country, attached to the office of the President.
He also stressed the need for education and empowerment, particularly among youth, to counter extremist narratives.
He called upon stakeholders, including civil society, local government, parents, teachers, and religious leaders, to address the root causes of terrorism.
He noted that security operatives cannot tackle this issue alone and that a multi-faceted approach is required.
In his view, preventing violent extremism requires a deep understanding of the issues that lead to radicalization.
David Wasswa Ssengendo suggests that security operatives should take a step back and examine the journey of individuals who become terrorists, identifying the factors that drive them to engage in such behavior.
He cited the example of Jamilu Mukulu, a former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) leader, who was once a young man named Steven before being radicalized and adopting the name Jamil.
By understanding the journey of individuals like Jamilu Mukulu, security operatives believe they can develop more effective strategies to counter terrorism and promote peace and stability.
Ashraf Muyomba, the Director of Hongera Saana Uganda, emphasized the need for the nation to devise means for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) that bring together people from different religions and political beliefs.
Hongera Saana Uganda was established to advance peace through socio-economic transformation, household income development, and community engagement.
He said the organization has had various community engagements with key stakeholders involved in PCVE, including vulnerable communities susceptible to indoctrination and recruitment into violent extremism.
During the Ramadan period, Muyomba said Hongera Saana Uganda distributed food items to people in several districts, impacting an average of 20,000 Ugandans.
Muyomba also revealed that the organization is set to distribute agricultural inputs like maize, groundnuts, poultry birds, and coffee seedlings to various communities soon.
Mahamoud Onyi, the Director of Counterterrorism at the Internal Security Organization (ISO), discussed the country’s long-standing struggle with terrorism.
Onyi explained that the security forces had been arresting young men from the Jamaat Dawatil Tabligh Salafiya community, leading to mistrust between the community and the government.
However, through engagement and dialogue, he said they discovered a communication gap and misunderstandings that were corrected.
He praised Ashraf Muyomba, the Director of Hongera Saana Uganda, for his efforts in mobilizing the community and providing economic incentives.
Onyi cautioned against individuals who want to misuse the platform and emphasized the importance of partnership between Hongera Saana Uganda and the government to address insecurity and economic challenges.
The Director for Security at ISO, Ssempa, emphasized the importance of mobilizing all Ugandans, not just Muslims, to promote peace and development.
He noted that anyone can be vulnerable to extremist ideologies, regardless of their background.
The Director stressed that peace is essential for development and that every Ugandan should cherish and love peace. He also highlighted the need for trust and cooperation to achieve success.
Records indicate that the mission of Hongera Saana Uganda, whose office was opened today, is to mobilize and coordinate national efforts towards promoting peace, stability, and development by fostering partnerships, empowering communities, and supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
According to ASP Ali Kakooza, the Divisional Community Liaison Officer in Wakiso District, the top five crimes committed in 2024-being thefts, assaults, sex-related crimes, domestic violence, and break-ins-show that all these crimes were preventable.
Investigations revealed that clues existed within the community but were either ignored or not paid attention to in time.
The event was attended by dozens of religious leaders, including Sheikh Kasauli Saidi, Chairman of Imams and Sheikhs Uganda, and Sheikh Murtadha Bukenya.
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