When we entered Luzira prison, I along with many of colleagues were intimidated by the lack of security we were given. We waited, anticipating aggression and accusatory gazes, but only found curious eyes. Sharon later noted that we were obviously safe: we were visiting the reformed. Sharon's statement brings to light the difference between the American justice system in which the legal process is more through and standardized and the Ugandan system in which many of the inmates were innocent and were judged as guilty due to lack of legal resources. Keeping the difference in proportion for those guilty and innocent, the judgement on such a large group of people becomes more complex.
The inmates are given an opportunity to educate themselves within Luzira prison so they can become their own employers. They encourage business management skills on an entrepreneurship level as well as that of an employer. The reason may be to prevent discrimination when they are looking for jobs by way of being self-employed.
Many of the former inmates do not have the resources to pursue a college degree due to family commitments. What are more optimal careers for those former inmates?
Would the stigma be reduced if former inmates were more open with their identity and shown in positions of power?
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Uganda thinks about the prison system in a nice way, they see it more as reform vs. punishment. That allows for people to go through it looking to come out better than when they entered. Former prisoners might have a better chance of being successful in the professional world if they look for jobs that are having area for them to grow into the position and move up in the company.
ReplyDeleteLooking at your second question, I believe that while the identity of being a prisoner follows one for the rest of their life, there are reform measures that could be implemented in the US to reduce the stigma. For example, the reform measures and education present in Uganda present the inmates with a better chance of a more stable life after prison. The US has some educational programs like Luzira, but not to the extent of a university pairing. In terms of positions of power, I believe that leadership positions in the prison would be beneficial to inmate development, but they would have to be done/chosen carefully in order to limit jealously. In relation to sustainable development however, by educating the inmates, the Ugandan prison system has some influence on potential new crimes.
ReplyDeleteEmma: With the first question, many people who chose to go to college have other family obligations that have to come first. These reformed inmates have to have a general knowledge of finances and saving money then can start their own small businesses, or work jobs that do not require a complete college level education.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I do not necessarily feel the stigma would be reduced. Regarding more optimal careers, the options in Uganda are limited so more knowledge on how to save and invest would be needed.
ReplyDeleteFinding a job after getting out of prison seems like a very difficult task especially in Ugandas job market. Many families seem to have startup business's selling items or providing some sort of service. I think thats an optimal option knowing that not a lot of companies are willing to higher and x prisoner.
ReplyDeleteGreat post !! Thanks for sharing valuable content.
ReplyDeleteClick here to know more UN sustainable development goals.