KAMPALA, September 7, 2026 — The Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, opened a refresher training for Regional Prisons Commanders drawn from the Service’s 19 administrative regions and selected District Prisons Commanders.
The training was conducted under the theme “Discipline, Dignity and Development: The New Face of Uganda Prisons Service.”
Dr. Byabashaija said the training was aimed at strengthening regional leadership and equipping commanders to effectively manage officers, prisoners and prison stations under their command.
He emphasized discipline as a key foundation of the Service and urged commanders to maintain professional conduct, accountability, security and respect for lawful procedures.
He also tasked them with protecting the dignity and welfare of officers and prisoners while ensuring that prison facilities remain secure, clean, orderly and humane.
On development, Dr. Byabashaija encouraged commanders to take initiative by making better use of available resources and developing practical, low-cost projects, especially in staff accommodation and prison infrastructure.
He further called for stronger inspections, proper consultation before major decisions and leadership that can drive positive change at regional and station level.
The Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Prisons Administration, Mr. John Bosco Tumwebaze, said the training will strengthen commanders’ skills in discipline, prisoner and staff management, welfare, security, infrastructure development and effective administration.
The training is also intended to improve coordination between regional offices and prison stations and promote transparent and results-oriented service delivery.
Dr. Byabashaija urged the commanders to become agents of transformation, saying the progress of UPS must be seen not only at Prisons Headquarters but also in the regions and individual prison stations.
He officially declared the training open and called on the commanders to use their positions to improve discipline, security, welfare and development across their areas of command.
While addressing the Regional Prisons Commanders in Luzira today, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija reminded them that their responsibility goes beyond managing existing systems.
“I expect each of you to be an agent of transformation,” he said.
He said the impact of their leadership should be seen in the discipline of officers, management of prisoners, security of institutions, staff welfare and development projects within their regions.
Dr. Byabashaija urged the commanders to reflect on what they are expected to change, improve and leave behind as they take up their responsibilities.
RPCs Have a Key Legal Role
The training also seeks to strengthen the understanding of the role of Regional Prisons Commanders as provided for under Section 32 of the Uganda Prisons Service Act, 2006.
Under the law, the Commissioner General appoints a Senior Prisons Officer to head each region as the Regional Prisons Commander.
The administration and supervision of prisons within that region is vested in the RPC.
This makes the RPC the senior officer responsible for prison stations, staff and prisoners within the region and the representative of the Commissioner General at regional level.
The RPCs also supervise District Prisons Commanders and Officers in Charge while providing overall command and control within their respective regions.
