During Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations in 2026, His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was awarded the Uganda Prisons Service’s highest honor, the Commander-in-Chief Medal, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement and transformation of the Service.
The President graciously received the award and expressed his appreciation for the recognition. He commended Uganda Prisons Service for its contribution to national development, particularly through cotton production, which supports Uganda’s textile industry, and the manufacture of high-quality furniture.
The award recognizes the President’s strategic leadership and sustained support in transforming Uganda Prisons Service from a predominantly custodial institution into a productive, rehabilitative and development-oriented institution.
One of his significant contributions has been directing the Service to undertake large-scale commercial production, including certified seed production. These initiatives support national food security, industrialization and import substitution while strengthening the Service’s contribution to Uganda’s agricultural sector.
The President also commended the Service’s contribution to the textile value chain through cotton production. By engaging in agricultural production that supplies raw materials for industry, Uganda Prisons Service is contributing to local production, industrial growth and the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
In addition, the President directed government ministries, departments and agencies to procure furniture manufactured by Uganda Prisons Service. This initiative has created a sustainable market for prison industries, expanded production opportunities and strengthened the Service’s capacity to manufacture quality furniture for public institutions.
The President’s recognition also reflects his support for self-reliance through homegrown solutions to institutional challenges, including prisoner congestion and inadequate staff accommodation. This approach has encouraged the Service to develop its own capacity to address operational needs while reducing dependence on external support.
The establishment of an engineering unit has further strengthened the Service’s ability to construct and maintain prison infrastructure. Beyond improving institutional facilities, the initiative equips prisoners with valuable vocational and practical skills that support rehabilitation, employability and reintegration into society.
Through these strategic directives and continued support, Uganda Prisons Service has expanded its role beyond custody and correction to embrace agricultural production, industrial manufacturing, infrastructure development and human capital formation.
The Service’s productive initiatives provide prisoners with opportunities to acquire practical skills, develop a strong work ethic and prepare for productive lives after release. These efforts align rehabilitation with broader national priorities, including employment creation, skills development and socio-economic transformation.
The Commander-in-Chief Medal therefore recognizes the President’s contribution to the institutional advancement of Uganda Prisons Service, particularly his support for productive rehabilitation, self-reliance, infrastructure development and the integration of correctional services into the national development agenda.
As Uganda celebrated 64 years of independence, the recognition highlights the important role correctional institutions can play in advancing national development. For Uganda Prisons Service, the transformation agenda continues to emphasize secure custody, effective rehabilitation, productive enterprise and the preparation of prisoners for responsible participation in society.
CAN. DR. BYABASHAIJA WAS AWARDED THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE MEDAL, CLASS I
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, was awarded the Exemplary Service Medal, Class I of the Uganda Prisons Service during Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations in recognition of more than four decades of service and his contribution to the growth of the institution.
Dr. Byabashaija has served Uganda Prisons Service for over 40 years, rising through the ranks before his appointment as Commissioner General of Prisons in 2005. During his tenure, the Service has made changes in administration, security, rehabilitation, staff development and prison production.
Under his leadership, Uganda Prisons Service has placed greater emphasis on offender reform through education, vocational training and productive work. These programmes equip prisoners with practical skills that can help them earn a living and reintegrate into their communities after release.
He has also overseen the development of prison production programmes, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. Besides supporting the Service’s operational needs, these activities give prisoners opportunities to learn through practical work and contribute to production.
Modernization efforts under his leadership have included improvements in security and intelligence systems, staff and prisoner welfare, and the expansion of prison industries. Training and professional development programmes have also helped strengthen the skills and performance of prison staff.
Canon Dr. Byabashaija has further supported cooperation with development partners and local communities to improve rehabilitation programmes and strengthen public understanding of the work of Uganda Prisons Service.
His years at the helm have seen the Service continue to develop its correctional role, with attention to education, vocational skills, productive activities and preparing prisoners for life after release.
The Exemplary Service Medal, Class I recognizes his long record of service and contribution to the development of Uganda Prisons Service. The award also acknowledges his role in advancing institutional reforms, improving professional capacity and expanding the Service’s contribution to national development.
