Rebuilding Dreams at Naguru Remand Home
A call to support Uganda’s young offenders
The Visit
Yesterday, 6 December 2025, I had the profound honor of visiting the juveniles currently held at Naguru Remand Home in Kampala, Uganda. The facility houses 240 young people between the ages of 12 and 17, 10% of whom are girls.
This visit was organized by the United Nations Association of Uganda – Makerere University Chapter, under the leadership of the exceptionally capable and inspiring Ms. Daniella Ddamulira. The theme of the day, “Rebuilding Dreams: Nurturing Mental Wellness and Future Pathways for Young Offenders,” could not have been more fitting.
Accompanied by a group of passionate Makerere University students, many of them law students, and supported by UNDP, we had the privilege of engaging directly with these young people. I was invited as the main speaker, and the experience moved me deeply.
Listening and Reflection
As I looked into their eyes, I was reminded of my own adolescence. I saw potential, resilience, and hope, but also fear and uncertainty. Many of these children shared that they found themselves in conflict with the law simply because they had dropped out of school or lacked any meaningful way to earn a living. Their stories were painful, yet their desire to change was unmistakable.
I spoke to them about my own journey, the challenges I faced, and the consequences of certain choices. I also encouraged them, assuring them that despite their past, they still have the power to rewrite their future.
Afterward, several approached me to express how much the conversation meant to them. Some shared that, given proper opportunities, they would never consider returning to crime.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Unfortunately, many of these juveniles have spent an extended amount of time in the Remand Home due to systemic challenges, such as limited transportation to court, as Uganda has only seven remand homes nationwide, or delays in signing release orders. These gaps not only hinder access to justice but also prolong the psychological burden on young offenders.
These children need more than detention. They need rehabilitation, education, mental health support, and pathways to reintegrate into society as responsible and hopeful citizens.
This visit reaffirmed my belief that every young person, regardless of their mistakes, deserves a second chance. With coordinated support from government institutions, civil society, universities, development partners, and individuals, we can transform their stories from despair to possibility.
Let us collectively invest in the future of these young people. Let us advocate for better systems, better resources, and better opportunities. And above all, let us believe in their potential to rise again.
If you or your organization is interested in supporting initiatives focused on juvenile justice reform, rehabilitation programs, or skills development for young offenders, I would be more than happy to connect.
Together, we can rebuild dreams.
Together, we can change lives.
Magara Shadrack | Founding Director