The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has announced a joint initiative with the Commissioner General of Prisons to rejuvenate Prison Industries by introducing essential improvements. This announcement was made during the graduation ceremony of 31 officers who completed the Prisons Intermediate Command and Staff Course.
Minister Otafiire also disclosed the government’s plans to enhance the welfare of staff within both the Uganda Prisons Service and the Police Force. He directed the Uganda Prisons Service to enroll over 100 officers in the next Intermediate Command and Staff Course, highlighting the importance of bolstering the capabilities of Prison Officers. This initiative aims to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the Uganda Prisons Service staff, thereby increasing the efficiency of their services.
The Uganda Prisons Service marked a significant milestone in capacity building with the graduation of the second intake of the Prisons Intermediate Command and Staff Course. During the ceremony, Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, thanked President Museveni for his reappointment for another term, which will last for the next 24 months. Dr. Byabashaija emphasized that the Uganda Prisons Service has an approved structure comprising over 41,000 staff members and is dedicated to achieving this target.
To address accommodation challenges faced by prison staff, the construction of affordable housing units is underway. Dr. Byabashaija also acknowledged the support from the Police in empowering and building the capacities of Prisons staff at the Police Senior Command and Staff College in Bwebajja.
The Uganda Prisons Service honored exceptional officers with prestigious awards for their outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation during the course:
- Mr. Robert Tagoola Naimuli, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, received the Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership skills and ability to motivate his peers.
- Mr. Amos Niwareza, Superintendent of Prisons, was awarded Best Overall Participant for his excellence in various aspects of the course.
- Dr. Generous Betunga Behabura, Superintendent of Prisons, earned the Commandant’s Award for her academic excellence and research on “Implementation of a Livestock Farm Management Information System.”
- Andrew Kenneth Byekwaso, Superintendent of Prisons, received the Innovation Award for his creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
- Mr. Samuel Ochan, Principal Officer I, was presented with the Discipline Award for his humble and dedicated service, serving as a role model for his peers.
