Inmates rehabilitation programs and trends in recidivism :case of vocational training program at Muhanga prison.

Abstract

This study is about recidivism of ex-inmates and was conducted at Muhanga Prison in Muhanga District. It has covered a period of time starting from 2015 until 2018.The overall objective of this study was the exploration of factors leading ex-inmates get involved in crime related activities leading to recidivism in Muhanga Prison. The study used the social cognitive theory as well as the theory of planned behavior. Methodologically, the study was qualitative in nature and used questionnaire, interview and documentation review to collect data which were both primary and secondary. Participants were selected from different groups who included inmates convicted of recidivism related crimes, local authorities and correctional officers at Muhanga Prison. The major findings of the study were that, the livelihood of inmates after their previous release, the handling of dangerous drugs and drug abuse, expectation for higher profits and the addiction in drug dealing are the main factors influencing recidivism. It was also revealed that majority of respondents were affirmative that the rehabilitative programs had an effect on them while, a high percentage number of them felt that schools were less helpful and this calls for the need to reassess these programs and replace them with more programs supported by a high number of prisoners. Noted was also that, the categorization in the correctional programs provided by Muhanga Prison, the sensitization to fight against stigmatization of ex-inmates, the information sharing between Muhanga Prison and the local administration authority, as well as the provision of a financial package helping recidivists to start small income generating projects were presented as paramount for the proper reintegration of recidivists into the society. The major conclusions of the study were that, a vital element in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates is the role that is played by the correctional system in involving inmates in programs serving to fight against recidivism at Muhanga Prison. It also discovered that there is no systematic policy for taking care of ex-inmates in all local administrative entities. It also found out that they are at risks of a societal stigma, when the people are rejected by their neighborhood and society in general simply for having been in prison, this challenges their reintegration. By combining the two major conclusions above, the study finally revealed that, the education and training about recidivism in Muhanga Prison and the social reinsertion of ex inmates by the local administration constitute elements of crime prevention possibilities which can help to prevent recidivism related crimes in our societies.