KAMPALA– The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) have conducted a Customer Care and Public Relations training for Prison Headquarters staff at Lake Victoria Beach Cottages in Kigo in Kampala.
The training is aimed to equip Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) with essential skills to enhance service delivery, professionalism, and align with Uganda Prisons Service goal of transforming inmates into law-abiding, productive and economically viable citizens.
The training was officially opened by the Director Administration Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons John Bosco Tumwebaze, who urged officers to uphold professionalism and discipline in their roles.
“You are the face of the Prison Service, encourage other officers to project a positive image through diligent and respectful interactions,” Tumwebaze emphasized.
Tumwebaze highlighted the importance of adhering to Uganda Prisons Service core values and implementing its vision and mission to build public trust.
The Deputy Director Cooperation and Corporate Affairs and Prison Service Spokesperson Frank Mayanja Baine delivered an engaging session on financial literacy and mindset change.
Baine emphasized the importance of personal growth, effective time management, and a positive attitude, urging NCOs to explore income-generating activities to achieve financial stability.
“Money is earned, accumulated, and invested and it’s prudent to have financial management,” He said.
He also stressed that customer care requires respect for all individuals, since life is unpredictable, and on one who know what tomorrow holds.
He encouraged prison officers to approach their work with passion, positivity, and optimism, noting that a good attitude enhances efficiency, teamwork and public confidence in the service.
While speaking at the same event, the Commissioner of National, Regional and International Cooperation, Apollo Akankunda, highlighted the importance of discipline, transparency and effective public relations.
Akankunda labored to equip officers with practical communication skills, including active listening, empathy and conflict resolution, noting that exceptional customer care involves treating everyone with respect and humility, focusing on the need for strong interpersonal skills in handling sensitive information and maintaining credibility.
The officers expressed enthusiasm about the training, noting its potential to transform service delivery at the prison headquarters in Kampala and they appreciated the knowledge and practical skills gained, which they believed would enhance their interactions with superiors, fellow staff and the general public at large.
