ISSUP Uganda, hosted by the Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), participated in the 35th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ35), held in Vienna, Austria, from 1–5 June 2026.
Representing UYDEL, Dr. Rogers Kasirye joined global discussions on emerging crime trends, crime prevention strategies, and the evolving challenges facing criminal justice systems worldwide. The session brought together Member States, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, researchers, and practitioners to examine issues including cyber-enabled crime, trafficking in persons, child protection, fraud, victim support, and international cooperation.
A key message emerging from the session was that crime prevention must evolve alongside changing crime patterns. Participants highlighted the growing impact of digital technologies on criminal activity and emphasized the need for evidence-based, people-centred, and youth-focused approaches that strengthen prevention at community, school, family, and online levels.
For Uganda, the discussions were particularly relevant given the increasing risks facing young people, including substance use, online exploitation, trafficking, cyberbullying, gambling, and recruitment into criminal networks. The session reinforced the importance of early intervention, rehabilitation , digital safety education, and multi-sectoral partnerships to protect vulnerable populations and build safer communities.
Dr. Kasirye also participated in a sports expert workshop that explored the role of sports, music, drama, and art as tools for prevention and youth development. These approaches were recognized as effective mechanisms for engaging young people, building life skills, promoting resilience, and preventing substance use and violence.
The experience reaffirmed UYDEL's commitment to advancing evidence-informed, youth-centred approaches to crime prevention and rehabilitation, while strengthening collaboration between communities, civil society, government institutions, and young people themselves.
Stronger communities begin with empowered and protected youth.
To learn more about the discussions, lessons learned, and recommendations from CCPCJ35, please read Dr. Rogers Kasirye's full report attached below.