The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), in partnership with Penal Reform International (PRI) and the Embassy of the Netherlands Kingdom in Uganda on 20^th August 2024 launched a specialized training program for prison officers on gender-sensitive and human rights approaches in managing women in prison.

The five-day training, held at Belmont Hotel in Mbale, brings together 20 prison officers from various stations in the Eastern Region, who among others include reception officers, social workers, and medical personnel.

Mr. Baker Asinjah, Commissioner of Prisons (Human Resource Planning and Development) who represented the Commissioner General of Prisons, emphasized the importance of safety measures in prisons, including surveillance systems, security personnel, access control, inmate classification, emergency response plans, inmate searches, crisis interventions, medical and mental health services, staff training, intelligence gathering, and perimeter security fencing.

The training focuses on the effective management, human-rights based approach and rehabilitation of women prisoners, considering factors such as risk and needs assessment, custody levels, housing, gender-responsive programs, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, education, job training, family support, healthcare, training informed care, and re-integration planning.

Notably, UPS currently has 3,700 female inmates in custody stationed in 19 prison units nationwide, and is committed to providing special services and considerations in compliance with international standards.

Women prisoners in Uganda receive tailored support in a safe, secure, and humane correctional environment, including separate housing, gender-sensitive programs, vocational trainings and access to healthcare and education. The program aims to enhance the skills of prison officers in managing different categories of female prisoners, promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration.