Uganda Prisons Service passes out second intake of Intermediate Command and Staff Course

By Emmanuel Sekago

Luzira – The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) held a pass-out ceremony for the second intake of the Prisons Intermediate Command and Staff Course at the Prisons Academy and Training School (PATS) in Luzira.

Thirty-one senior prison officers graduated after completing a six-month intermediate command and staff course.

Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire attended the ceremony and announced plans to improve staff welfare in both the Uganda Prisons and Uganda Police Force.

Otafiire directed UPS to enroll over 100 officers in the next Intermediate Command and Staff Course, emphasizing the importance of building the capacities of prison officers.

He praised the graduands for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply their acquired skills to improve the prison service.

Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his reappointment as Commissioner General for another term in office.

He stressed that UPS has an approved structure of over 41,000 staff and is working towards achieving this target.

Byabashaija also acknowledged the support of the Uganda Police Force in empowering and building the capacities of UPS staff at the Police Senior Command and Staff College, Bwebajja.

He noted that overcrowding remains a challenge but expressed hope that the situation will improve by next year.

Ms. Brenda Sana, Commissioner of Prisons (Commandant-PATS), announced that thirty-one dedicated officers had graduated, comprising twenty-five men and six women.

She emphasized that the officers are well-equipped to excel in their roles and make a positive impact in the prison service.

The ceremony was attended by top leaders from the Uganda Police Force, Makerere University, and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), among others.

Officer John Mugerwa was awarded the best overall student, while Officer Hadija Nalwadda was recognized as the best female student.