Prisons chief drives modernization agenda in Mid Central Region, emphasizing infrastructure development and welfare

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has successfully concluded a pivotal strategic and policy-focused working visit to Uganda’s Mid Central Region, with Mityana Main and Women’s Prisons serving as key focal points.

The comprehensive visit underscored the Uganda Prisons Service’s (UPS) unwavering commitment to modernizing correctional facilities, enhancing service delivery, and fostering human resource growth and inmate rehabilitation.

Upon his arrival, Dr. Byabashaija was accorded a ceremonial quarter guard parade at the prison gate, received by the Regional Prisons Commander (RPC) for the Mid Central Region alongside the Officers in Charge of the two facilities.

The visit to Mityana is part of a broader nationwide strategic program, which has already seen similar high-level engagements conducted in the Eastern, East Central, Mid Western, and Northern regions.

These initiatives are meticulously designed to elevate professional standards, improve staff welfare, and bolster institutional efficiency across the entire Uganda Prisons Service.

Dr. Byabashaija was accompanied by a delegation of senior officers, including Senior Commissioner of Prisons Wilson Magomu (Production and Engineering), Commissioner of Prisons Kenneth Mugabirwe (General Administration and Welfare of Staff), Commissioner of Prisons Simon Ben Alex Wanshada (Safety, Security and Operations), Commissioner of Prisons Jacob Kivumbi (Custodial Services), and Superintendent of Prisons Moses Atine (Estates Manager).

During his tour, the Commissioner General conducted thorough inspections of newly established infrastructure at Mityana, which included modern administrative blocks, reinforced perimeter fences, strategic watchtowers, upgraded water and electricity systems, contemporary sanitary facilities, improved staff quarters, and the Officer in Charge’s residence.

He also visited the recently expanded female section, highlighting the Service’s dedication to creating conducive environments.

Addressing inmates in both male and female sections, Dr. Byabashaija emphasized the critical importance of rehabilitation and active participation in income-generating schemes.

He stressed the necessity of financially rewarding prisoners for their profitable work, urging staff to ensure all inmates benefit from such programs, thereby promoting accountability and motivation within the correctional system.

For staff, the Commissioner General highlighted various economic and professional development opportunities. Officers were strongly encouraged to save through the Uganda Prisons SACCO and to utilize duty-free shops for acquiring building materials.

He also emphasized the importance of educating staff children, advocating for choices that families can realistically afford. Dr. Byabashaija reassured staff that salaries would see gradual increases as Uganda’s economy advances, particularly with the anticipated development in the oil and mining sectors.

Crucial operational directives were also issued during the visit. Officers in Charge in the Mid Central Region were tasked with eliminating prison congestion within six months through targeted infrastructure initiatives.

They were also instructed to mentor subordinate staff, preparing them for future leadership roles through structured courses such as the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Junior Command and Staff, Intermediate Command and Staff, and Senior Command and Staff Courses.

Dr. Byabashaija reiterated the core responsibilities of Officers in Charge, including ensuring prisoners’ unfettered access to justice by producing them in court, supporting staff in court duties, and apprehending escapes.

He emphasized strict adherence to administrative instructions and advocated for the use of energy-saving blocks in construction to ensure the long-term durability of prison facilities.

In a significant announcement, the Commissioner General revealed the upcoming general promotions exercise for both senior and junior officers. “The general promotion exercise for both senior and junior officers will begin in October this year and conclude in April 2026 based on merit, hard work, discipline, and performance,” he stated, underlining the Service’s commitment to career progression.

Dr. Byabashaija also issued a stern warning against desertion, reminding officers of their patriotic duty. “Junior officers should not be tempted into desertion. Uganda is advancing toward economic stability, and with oil production, salaries will gradually increase, benefiting all government workers. Once you desert, you will not be reinstated into the Service. You must work patriotically, love your country, and sacrifice for its stability.”

The strategic visit to Mityana reaffirmed the Uganda Prisons Service’s holistic approach to correctional management, emphasizing infrastructure development, expanding access to justice, boosting staff and inmate welfare, and promoting accountability and professionalism at all levels of command.