European Times: What is the mission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?
Hilary Onek: It is our mandate to maintain peace, stability, law and order; to provide forensic and scientific analytical testing and services; and to ensure the safe custody, humane treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. We are working hard to transform Uganda’s prisons into centres of rehabilitation.
European Times: What kind of testing do you do?
Hilary Onek: The Government Analytical Laboratory under the Ministry of Internal Affairs specialises in forensic and general chemical and biological analyses, tests and consultancy for the public and the government. Different divisions undertake diverse examinations and analyses of physical evidence in order to provide reliable and irrefutable scientific evidence which will detect and incriminate the guilty or exonerate the innocent. The laboratory also provides a full range of scientific services designed to support public health and safety, environmental protection, protection of government revenues and consumer protection.
European Times: Can you describe the National Community Service programme?
Hilary Onek: We are undertaking reforms in the justice system through innovative approaches that increase communication and coordination among stakeholders. The National Community Service programme contributes to the on-going reform process. Through the terms of this programme, a person who commits a minor offence is sentenced by a competent court to perform unpaid work in the community where he resides instead of being sent to prison. The main goal of National Community Service is to ensure the humane treatment and rehabilitation of petty offenders within their communities.
European Times: What are some of the ministry’s other responsibilities?
Hilary Onek: We monitor immigration and emigration and we run a non-government-organisation (NGO) board whose vision is to create and maintain a vibrant, efficient and accountable NGO sector. Through honesty and integrity, we are committed to providing all services that grant freedom of association and respect for humanity and diversity. We rely on accountability and transparency to communicate that Uganda is a country that is not only safe and secure, but also a country which uses the help it receives in order to help itself.
European Times: What is your message to potential investors and travellers?
Hilary Onek: Uganda is one of the safest countries in East Africa. We have a very efficient police force, our security forces guarantee safety, and we fully respect the democratic process. Uganda’s abundance of natural resources and good climate make it even more inviting.
