74 inmates from Upper Maximum Prison Luzira were awarded
Certificates by Makerere University Business School on Tuesday 13^th
September, 2023. The awards received were for Diploma in Enterpreneurship and
Small Business Management and Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small
Business Management spanning the academic years 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2020/21.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson
Byabashaija, who was the Chief Guest, acknowledged the exceptional
accomplishments of the inmates and recognized the transformative power of
education, even within the confines of Prison walls.

A significant announcement was made during the ceremony
as well as a commitment to expand tertiary educational services to all regional
prisons and women's prisons. This visionary initiative aims to broaden access
to education and skill development programs within the Prison system, providing
inmates with the opportunity for personal growth and transformation.

The steadfast leadership of Uganda Prisons Service was
commended for their tireless efforts in promoting formal education. The
introduction of degree programs from Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
was successfully endorsed to be offered within Prison facilities, expanding the
horizons of educational possibilities for inmates.

"Education not only empowers you but carries
responsibilities," emphasized Commissioner General Byabashaija.
"Today, you have proved that second chances are not deserved but
earned." His poignant words underscored the profound impact of education,
regardless of one's circumstances.

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the event
served as an inspiration to others who may be facing challenges outside the
prison walls.

It highlighted the potential for reform and personal
growth, encouraging those who have stumbled to seek redemption and become
positive contributors to society.

Professor Moses Muhwezi, the Principal of Makerere
University Business School, added his voice to the celebration, commending the
inmates for their exceptional performance. He noted that they had excelled in
their respective intakes and stressed the importance of introducing business
courses as part of the rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates,
given their active involvement in vocational skill development.

The ceremony also recognized the overall best-performing
inmate, Waswa Henry Wagala, who achieved an impressive Cumulative Grade Point
Average (CGPA) of 4.97. This exceptional feat places Wagala at the apex of
academic excellence within the Prison system. Following closely behind Wagala
were Bagyenda Brain and Moses Anghorya, who both achieved a remarkable CGPA of
4.95, securing their positions as the second-best students.

With the Minister's commitment to expanding educational
opportunities, this achievement heralds a brighter future for inmates and
underscores the belief that education can rewrite one's life story, regardless
of the circumstances.