Kitalya, September 2, 2026 — The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. Juma Witonze Kisekka, together with the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, has concluded an oversight visit to the Kitalya Prisons Complex - Central Region, commending the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) for its work in rehabilitation, vocational training and self-reliance.
The delegation was welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Samuel Akena, and the top leadership of UPS.
During the visit, the delegation inspected proposed sites where the Service plans to establish a modern Prisons Academy and Training School at Kitalya.
The planned facility will include a modern shooting range, parade and physical training grounds, administration and academic blocks, an auditorium, accommodation for trainees, housing for trainers and other specialized training facilities.
The delegation also visited proposed sites for new prison industries, including leather and shoe-making, furniture, textile and garment production facilities. The projects are intended to provide inmates with practical skills and support their rehabilitation and preparation for life after prison.
At Kitalya Mini Max Prison, the delegation toured the garment and tailoring workshops, where inmates produce uniforms for prisoners and staff.
The workshop has 89 modern sewing machines, as well as garment-cutting, interlocking and embroidery machines. The delegation was informed that inmates, under the guidance of trained prison officers, produce about 1,520 inmates’ uniforms and 200 staff uniforms per working day.
The MPs also visited the inmates’ school, which has a computer laboratory, library and classrooms serving both primary and secondary learners.
Hon. Witonze said the oversight visit demonstrated Parliament’s commitment to supporting UPS to fulfill its mandate and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that UPS plays an important role in national security through the provision of safe, secure and humane custody, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
The Minister also highlighted the Service’s contribution to food security, agro-industrialization, access to justice and the development of the local textile industry.
On staff welfare, Hon. Witonze said the Ministry has plans to support the construction of 15,000 housing units for prison staff across the country.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, commended UPS for maintaining high standards of hygiene at both Kitalya and Luzira Upper prisons.
She also praised the Service’s efforts towards self-sufficiency, furniture and uniform production, vocational skills training and the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
Members of the Committee made positive observations about the work of UPS and the standards maintained in its prisons, particularly in vocational training, rehabilitation, education, production and inmate welfare.
The visit provided Parliament with an opportunity to assess the Service’s progress and identify areas requiring further support to strengthen Uganda’s correctional system.
