Cultural Mediation Programmes’ Impact on Gang Violence among Urban Youth in Kampala, Uganda: Behavioural Transformations and Reoffending Reductions

Urban youth in Kampala, Uganda face significant challenges related to gang violence, which has led to a need for innovative solutions. The study employed ethnographic methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews with CMP participants and their families, and focus group discussions with law enforcement officials. Participants reported a significant reduction (70%) in violent behaviour after engaging with CMPs, with themes of improved communication skills and conflict resolution strategies emerging from qualitative data. Cultural Mediation Programmes appear to offer promising avenues for addressing gang violence among urban youth in Kampala, contributing to behavioural transformations and lower reoffending rates. Further research should be conducted to explore the long-term impacts of CMPs on youth behaviour and societal outcomes. Policy makers should consider funding these programmes as a preventative measure against gang-related crimes.