Uganda Prisons Service boosts staff welfare with financial literacy training

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of its staff and improving their household livelihoods.

In partnership with Stanbic Bank Uganda, UPS has conducted a financial literacy training program for Prisons Officers and their spouses from the 9 Prisons Units stationed in the Kigezi Region.

The training, held at Uganda Prison Ndorwa Main, is part of an ongoing initiative across all Prison Units countrywide, aiming to reach all staff and their spouses.

During the training, Mr. Festo Sambya, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (Regional Prisons Commander – Kigezi Region), encouraged staff to prioritize savings to enable them to develop.

He also urged them to embrace working far away from home, so that as they grow old, they can return to their homes.

Mr. Ronald Kali, Manager Employee Value Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the privileges that Prisons Officers receive, including accommodation, water, electricity, free transport, and working in shifts.

He encouraged staff to have a side income besides their salary and invest in valuable properties and projects like keeping poultry and piggery.

Ms. Elizabeth Erumbi, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (OC-Salary at Prisons Headquarters), reminded staff of the privilege of having a permanent and pensionable job.

She advised staff to manage with the earnings they get and be confident in the service.

The host of the training, Mr. Emoru Yepusa, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (Ag OC Ndorwa Prison), welcomed all the staff and Stanbic Bank team to Ndorwa Prison.

He appreciated the strategic initiative of the Commissioner General of Prisons to partner with Stanbic Bank to educate staff and spouses of Uganda Prisons on financial literacy awareness.

He noted that this will help staff make informed decisions with their finances and regulate the rate of desertions.

By empowering staff with financial literacy skills, UPS aims to reduce the rate of desertions and improve the overall well-being of its staff.

The financial literacy program is an initiative of the Commissioner General of Prisons, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, who met with the top leadership of Stanbic Bank Uganda to discuss ways of improving the welfare of Prisons Staff.

The program demonstrates Uganda Prisons Service’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its staff and improving their household livelihoods.