The Commissioner General of Prisons Canon Dr Johnson Byabasheija has said that Uganda Prisons Service is committed to training its staff through various courses and these training include slots for junior and senior officers at all levels.
He also highlighted the policy for transferring staff and announced that many officers will be promoted in 2026, with evaluations starting in October 2025.
Dr Byabasheija made the remarks during a strategic and working tour to Mid-Western Uganda in Masindi District where he visited Maiha Prison Farm.
During the visit, the Commissioner General addressed staff of Maiha Prison Farm and Officers-in-Charge of prisons in the Mid-Western Region, urging them to promote good working relationships and uphold staff welfare as a pillar of professional service.
He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability and effective prison management, coupled with proper sanitation and hygiene standards across all units.
Dr Byabashaija advised officers to live within their means, manage finances wisely, and invest in their children’s education within affordable limits and also encouraged them to pursue future academic and professional growth, particularly in science and technology fields, citing the growing relevance of such skills in modern corrections management.
Maiha Prison Farm was established in 1968 as a medium-security unit and is primarily known for commercial maize grain production.
The farm is located on 138 acres and it has recently seen major improvements, including the construction of new prisoners’ wards, establishment of security systems and staff quarters, as well as enhancement in agroforestry, orchard farming, and staff shambas.
The Commissioner General of Prisons commended the Officer-in-Charge of Maiha Prison Farm for spearheading these development efforts, describing him as a “lion” for his consistent record in infrastructure development.
Dr Byabashaija also advocated for environmentally friendly construction practices and called for strict adherence to administrative instructions and robust record keeping across all stations.
The Commissioner General of Prisons was accompanied on the tour of Masindi by the Deputy Director, Production and Engineering Senior Commissioner of Prisons Wilson Magomu, Deputy Director, CCA and Uganda Prisons Service Spokesperson Senior Commissioner of Prisons Frank Baine, the Safety, Security and Operations Officer Commissioner of Prisons Ben Alex Wansadha and the Staff Administration and Counseling Commissioner of Prisons Stephen Lugonda.
Others included the Commissioner of Custodial Services Jacob Kivumbi, Commissioner of Planning Aggrey Aturwanirire, the Mid West Regional Prisons Commander Ronald Godie, the Superintendent of Prisons in Charge of Livestock and Entomology Ms Generous Betunga, the Superintendent of Prisons in Charge of Estates Moses Atine and the Assistant Superintendent of Prisons in Charge of Water Engineering Gang Akimfa Odongo.
