The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has directed officers in the Mid Central Region to eliminate prison congestion within six months, as part of an ambitious push to modernize correctional facilities and improve service delivery across Uganda.
Dr. Byabashaija issued the directive during a working visit to Mityana Main and Women’s Prisons, where he inspected a wide range of newly established infrastructure, including administrative blocks, perimeter fences, watchtowers, modern sanitary facilities, staff quarters, and an expanded female section.
“The welfare of staff and prisoners goes hand in hand with modernization. We must prioritize decent facilities, effective rehabilitation, and structured human resource growth if we are to meet the demands of a professional service,” Dr. Byabashaija said.
Accompanied by senior officers, the Commissioner General emphasized rehabilitation and productive engagement of inmates, urging staff to ensure that all prisoners benefit from earning schemes with rewards for profitable work.
He also encouraged staff to embrace saving through the Uganda Prisons SACCO, make use of duty-free shops for building materials, and focus on affordable education for their children. Salaries, he reassured, would progressively improve as the national economy expands with oil and mining ventures.
Operationally, Dr. Byabashaija reminded Officers in Charge of their duty to ensure prisoners’ access to justice by producing them in court, mentoring juniors for leadership roles, and strictly adhering to administrative instructions.
He stressed the use of energy-saving construction materials to ensure the durability of prison facilities.
The visit also touched on safety, with the Prisons Chief cautioning staff operating motorcycles to use helmets and protective gear, while reminding passengers to follow safety measures to curb rising road accidents.
Highlighting career growth, Dr. Byabashaija announced upcoming promotions for senior and junior officers, with evaluations beginning in October and running until April 2026.
Over the past 18 months, Mityana Prisons have recorded significant improvements in sanitation, rehabilitation, and security systems under the leadership of Officers in Charge — progress that was commended by the Commissioner General.
“This Service must be forward-looking. We are building for the future, and that requires strong infrastructure, disciplined staff, and empowered human resources,” Dr. Byabashaija noted.
