Uganda Prisons Service is a state agency established by Articles 215-218 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as amended, contributes to the protection of all members of society by providing reasonable, safe, secure and humane custody and rehabilitation of offenders by universally accepted standards.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) was established in 1899 under the British Protectorate as a branch of the King's African Rifles (KAR), tasked with providing safe custody for offenders. By 1903, UPS was recognized as a separate department from the KAR, although KAR soldiers continued to assist in training. The Prisons Training School in Luzira, initially run by KAR soldiers, was formally opened on April 26, 1950, by Governor Sir John Harthon.
In 1917, the Prisons Department was officially separated from the Protectorate Police, though a joint command structure persisted until 1938. The 1940s saw the implementation of Africanization policies, culminating in 1958 with the Prisons Ordinance, which provided a legal framework for the service. The Prisons Act of 1964, which replaced the 1958 Ordinance, aligned UPS operations with Uganda's legal framework following independence.
The post-independence era was marked by leadership transitions and infrastructural expansion. Leaders such as Mr. O.V. Garret and Mr. N.A. Cameroon focused on expanding UPS’s infrastructure and services. Fabian Okware, the first Black Commissioner of Prisons, was instrumental in Africanizing the prison system and emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, laying the groundwork for a more humane approach from 1964 to 1971. However, the 1970s and 1980s were characterized by political instability and economic difficulties. Leaders like Mr. L.N. Kigonya, Mr. G.W. Sentamu, and Mr. B. Byabazaire worked to sustain the service’s integrity during these challenging times.
The appointment of Mr. J.A.A. Etima in 1988 marked the beginning of significant reform and modernization. Under his leadership, UPS underwent substantial changes, which were further accelerated by Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, who has served as Commissioner General of Prisons since 2005. Dr. Byabashaija’s tenure has been defined by a shift towards a modern correctional system with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
A centre of excellence in providing human rights based correctional services in Africa.
To contribute to the protection and development of society by providing safe, secure, and humane custody of prisoners while placing human rights at the centre of their correctional programmes.
The goal is to transform every prisoner into a responsible, law-abiding and economically productive citizen.
UPS has embraced ICT to improve operational efficiency. The introduction of digital record-keeping, electronic monitoring systems, and online inmate management platforms has modernized administrative processes and enhanced security.
Professionalism: Weshall adhere to the professional codes of conduct, exhibit high degree of competence and best practices as prescribed for a given profession in the Public Service.
Reliability: We shall be accountable, trustworthy, effective and efficient in conducting our work.
Integrity: We shall uphold our ethical values, serve with hosnesty and maintain zero tolerance to corruption.
Security: We shall at all times ensure safety and security of our clients, safety of pisons property.
Oneness: We shall exhibit unity of purpose in all aspects of prisons work.
Nationalistic: We shall be nationalistic in outlook, character and practices.
Discipline: We shall always behave in a maaner that conforms with the rules and regulations and codes of conduct and ethics.p>
