About Kabale Remand Home COWA’s presence in Western Uganda through...Learn More
Remand Homes Initiative
Transforming Lives Through Skills, Support, and Second Chances
20 Years of Providing Second Chances
For over two decades, the Companionship of Works Association (COWA) has partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) to implement transformative projects at juvenile remand homes across Uganda. Our work is rooted in the belief that every young person regardless of their past deserves an opportunity to discover their potential and build a productive future.
Through comprehensive skills training, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation services, COWA has trained over 1,000 juveniles in various trades including hairdressing, welding, tailoring, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. Our programs have played a critical role in shaping positive behavioral change, significantly contributing to reduced recidivism rates across all three remand homes we serve.
Our Philosophy
We don't see juveniles we see young people who have made mistakes but possess infinite potential. Our approach combines:
Practical skills training for employability
Psychosocial counseling and support
Life skills and values formation
Reintegration planning and support
Follow-up and aftercare services
Partnerships
This work has been carried out in collaboration with AVSI Foundation Uganda, which has been the primary funder of all projects at Naguru Remand Home, and subsequently at Gulu and Kabale Remand Homes.
Impact Statistics
Years of remand home partnerships
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Juveniles trained​
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Remand home locations
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Different vocational trades​
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Three Centers of Transformation
About Gulu Remand Home: Extending our reach to Northern Uganda,...Learn More
About Naguru Remand Home: COWA’s flagship remand home partnership began...Learn More
More Than Skills: Holistic Rehabilitation
COWA's remand home programs go beyond technical training to address the comprehensive needs of juveniles in conflict with the law.
Skills Training Component
Trades Offered
Psychosocial Support Component
Services Provided
- Individual counseling and therapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Trauma healing and emotional support
- Anger management training
- Conflict resolution skills
- Self-esteem building
- Goal setting and future planning
Support Areas
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Family reconciliation support
- Peer mentorship programs
- Life skills development
- Values and character formation
Life Skills & Reintegration Component
Life Skills Training
- Legal rights awareness
- Financial literacy
- Health and wellness
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Leadership development
Reintegration Support
- Family tracing and reunification
- Community preparation
- Post-release follow-up
- Startup kit provision
- Employment linkages
- Continued mentorship
Recognized Skills, Brighter Futures
COWA ensures that skills learned in remand homes are formally recognized through Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) assessments. Juveniles who complete training undergo rigorous practical and theoretical examinations, earning certificates that are recognized nationally.
DIT Assessment Process
- Internal training completion
- Pre-assessment preparation
- External DIT examination
- Certificate award
- Skills validation
Benefits of Certification
- Nationally recognized credentials
- Enhanced employability
- Increased confidence
- Professional legitimacy
- Foundation for further training
Measuring Success, Transforming Lives
Quantitative Impact
Juveniles trained for over 20 years​
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Successfully reintegrated into communities
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%
DIT certificates awarded
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Remand homes served across Uganda
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Collaboration for Greater Impact
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD)
As the government ministry responsible for juvenile justice and rehabilitation, MGLSD provides:
• Access to remand home facilities
• Policy guidance and oversight
• Coordination with justice system
• Reintegration support
• Monitoring and evaluation
AVSI Foundation Uganda
As the primary funder of COWA's remand home projects, AVSI Foundation has made possible:
• Sustained program implementation
• Infrastructure improvements
• Staff capacity building
• Program expansion to multiple locations
• Long-term commitment to juvenile rehabilitation
Support Second Chances
Every juvenile deserves an opportunity to transform their life. Your support can help us expand our reach and deepen our impact in juvenile rehabilitation.