In line with the National Honours and Awards Act, Cap 173 (as amended), H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, on 6th February 2026 in Kabale District, conferred the Diamond Jubilee Medal on four Officers of the Uganda Prisons Service in recognition of their outstanding service, loyalty, dedication and contribution to the development of Uganda.
1. MR. OPIRA MARTIN
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons
Mr. Opira Martin was born on 10th August 1969 in Palaro Rajar Village, Bunga Tira Sub-County, Gulu District. He enlisted into the Uganda Prisons Service on 26th September 1994 as a Recruit Warder and has rendered 31 years of continuous, disciplined and faithful service to the nation.
He holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Gulu University. His academic growth reflects his commitment to excellence and professional development.Following his basic training in 1995, he served at Apac Prison Farm, the Northern Regional Office, Kitgum Prison, and later at Prisons Headquarters, where he continues to serve.
His career progression is marked by integrity and merit: Warder to Corporal Warder (2000), Sergeant Warder (2004), accelerated promotion to Principal Officer II (2011), Principal Officer I (2016), and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (2020).
As Accountant of the Uganda Prisons SACCO, Mr. Opira has demonstrated exceptional professionalism in financial management, accountability and transparency. His stewardship strengthened financial systems, enhanced member trust and contributed greatly to the SACCO’s growth and stability. His service reflects loyalty, discipline and devotion to Uganda.
2. MR. MUHANGI OYERA GIDEON
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons
Mr. Muhangi Oyera Gideon was born in Mulama Village, Nyakisenyi Sub-County, Rukungiri District. He joined the Uganda Prisons Service on 30th June 2001 and has served with dedication for 24 years.
He holds a Certificate in Block Laying and Concreting and a Diploma in Architectural Draughtsmanship from Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo. After training at the Prisons Academy and Training School, he was posted to Prisons Headquarters, where he continues to serve.
His career growth reflects professional excellence: Corporal Warder (2008), Sergeant Warder (2011), Principal Officer II (2016), Principal Officer I (2019) and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (2023).
Mr. Muhangi is a disciplined and highly skilled officer whose architectural designs have greatly improved staff and prisoners’ accommodation across the Service. His technical innovation, planning and commitment have strengthened infrastructure development in the Uganda Prisons Service and supported national transformation.
3. MR. OPIO PATRICK
Principal Officer I
Mr. Opio Patrick was born on 30th December 1967 in Amuria District. He enlisted into the Uganda Prisons Service in 1988 and has served the nation for over 37 years with loyalty and integrity.
He holds a Uganda Certificate of Education and a Motor Vehicle Mechanics Certificate from Soroti Technical School. His service includes postings at Murchison Bay Prison, Luzira, Kampala Remand, and the Kampala Extra Region. He later served as Officer in Charge of Uganda Prison Ntwetwe.
His career progression reflects strong leadership and discipline: Corporal Warder (1994), Sergeant Warder (2004), Principal Officer II (2017) and Principal Officer I (2023).
