Collaboration in Africa: Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and the SAW Project (PID091)

11am – 11.45am EDT, 2 September 2024 ‐ 45 mins

Workshop Session

An exciting collaborative endeavor is underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda that includes disseminating information of successful practices via the Supervision Around the World (SAW) Project, an international non-profit agency.

This co-presentation is an example of the rich resources available through the use of collaboration and collective learning. Public sector administrators from Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya will share examples of their most successful programs and show how this information is available to others via the SAW Project website. In the risk-adverse world of criminal justice supervision, administrators from other countries may consider elements of successful models that can be replicated in local programs with more confidence.

In this presentation, SAW Project personnel will also discuss the process for data collection, the impact of collaborative efforts, and future plans for reporting formal outcomes of gleaned information during the 2025 ICPA Conference in Rwanda.

Speakers

Julie Truschel MA

CEO, Supervision Around the World (SAW) Project, United States

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Alex Mugisha

Director of Cooperation & Peace Support Operations, Rwanda Correctional Service, Rwanda

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Nuruh Mbalyowere

Principal Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda

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Dr Humphrey Young Ogola PHD, HSE

Technical Advisor, State Department for Correctional Services, Kenya

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Julie Truschel MA

CEO, Supervision Around the World (SAW) Project, United States

Julie Truschel has an extensive employment history in criminal justice, working over 30 years in various capacities of juvenile and adult corrections, in both institutional and community-based settings. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with emphasis in delinquent behaviors, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management.

While working with the U.S. National Institute of Corrections, Ms. Truschel was involved with researchers in creating the ‘What Works’ curriculum which made a dramatic impact on her employment goals. In the following years, she worked with administrators nationwide to integrate evidence-based practices (EBP) into agency operations with the intent to better assist clients’ success.

Her current focus is creating and directing the Supervision Around the World (SAW) Project. This endeavor strives to chart global supervision practices, identify effective working models, and bring positive change for clients globally through international collaboration.

See more details at https://sawproject.org/

Alex Mugisha

Director of Cooperation & Peace Support Operations, Rwanda Correctional Service, Rwanda

Alex Celestine Mugisha has worked in correctional services for over 15 years and currently works as Director of Cooperation & Peace Support Operations for the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS). Previous positions included Systems Administrator/RCS HQ, ensuring effective delivery of technological services to the entire RCS including the inmates’ IT services, and Corrections Training Officer- UNAMID(Sudan) - Rule of Law Section. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Masters’ degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Transformation.

Mr. Mugisha has served as a qualified Information specialist in providing high quality technological and management support to Rwanda Correctional Service at different levels. Mr. Mugisha has a consistent track record of working successfully with individuals, families or groups, institutions, both government and non-government organizations and agencies all within a variety of settings and mainly in the correctional centers. He possesses an in-depth understanding of relevant legislation, procedures and techniques required. Extensive knowledge in technological related matters and techniques to solve complex IT issues as well as going by nature and able to get along with both colleagues and senior managers to find solutions for the existing institutional challenges.

Nuruh Mbalyowere

Principal Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda

Nuruh Mbalyowere, a skilled social worker working as Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer in Uganda Prisons Service, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Justice and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Ms. Mbalyowere is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of exemplary service in the Prisons, dedicated to implementing rehabilitation activities and facilitating the successful reintegration of inmates into their communities after being incarcerated. Notably, her role overseeing and directing 24 prisons as a Principal Rehabilitation and Reintegration officer has been a driving force in bringing about positive change and promoting rehabilitation as a foundation of the justice system.

In addition to her work in prisons, Ms. Mbalyowere is actively involved in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and promote a culture of acceptance and support. They work with family members, local agencies, employers and community leaders to facilitate a smooth transition for people returning to their communities after release, emphasizing the importance of housing stability, employment opportunities and social support networks.

Dr Humphrey Young Ogola PHD, HSE

Technical Advisor, State Department for Correctional Services, Kenya

Dr. Humphrey Young Ogola is currently the Technical Advisor to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Correctional Services. In the past, he has held several positions as follows; the Deputy Officer in Charge Machakos and Kerugoya GK Prison; Personal Assistant to the Commissioner General of Prisons; Personal Assistant to the Principal Secretary State Department for Correctional Services and Planning/Budget Officer. Dr. Ogola has also served as the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Justice Defenders an organization working with Prisons in Africa and as a Research Assistant at Tegemeo Institute-Egerton University.

Dr. Ogola is as an Adjunct/part-time Lecturer in Public Administration and Governance at Machakos University. He is an all-round public sector leader who is inspired by the idea that a progressive society is dependent on a facilitative government. He has a deep appreciation of the criminal justice sector; its global and local challenges and opportunities for social-economic growth.

Dr. Ogola holds a Doctorate in Development Studies with a bias in Public Sector Reforms from Moi University, Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Kenyatta University and a Bachelors of Agricultural Economics from the University of Nairobi. He has received various recognition and awards including the Head of State Commendation by His Excellency, the President and Commander in Chief of the Defense Forces, Best in Innovation, Initiative and Policy-Makini Awards (2020 and Appreciation for his contribution in the Greening Kenya Campaign.