Thirty-one senior prison
officers graduated from the Prisons Academy and Training School in Luzira,
after completion of a six-month Intermediate Command and Staff Course (ICSC) on
21 June 2024. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Maj. Gen (Rtd) Kahinda
Otafiire, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

The officers, consisting of
25 males and 6 females, are the second cohort of the Intermediate Command and
Staff Course by the Uganda Prisons Service who were exposed to invaluable
knowledge, understanding in the professional execution of their roles as
prisons officers in the rapidly changing world.

The Course consisted of several
components which included among others Prisons Component, Institutional
Leadership and Management Component from Uganda Management Institute, Peace
Building and Conflict Transformation Component from Makerere University.

The course features
tailored content in problem-solving, institutional leadership, critical and
analytical competencies, and effective management in diverse and adverse
environments. The delivery methodology includes face-to-face presentations and
discussions led by experienced staff from the as well as modules
delivered by academia from Makerere university, Uganda Peoples Defence
Forces, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Management
Institute Additionally, resource persons and top
managers from various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)

Ms. Brenda Sana,
Commissioner of Prisons and Commandant-PATS thanked all for who graced the pass-out
ceremony of the second intake of the Prison Intermediate Command and Staff
Course, intake 002/2023. She emphasized that with this diverse training, the
officers were well-equipped to excel in their roles and make a positive impact
in the service.

She praised the graduands
for their discipline and focus. She expressed confidence in their potential as
leaders and thanked the Directing Staff, training school staff, and partners
for their support. Ms. Sana congratulated the graduands on completing their
training and urged them to apply their knowledge wisely to excel as officers
and strategic leaders. She also thanked the UPS leadership and Minister for
their invaluable support to the Prisons Academy and Training School which is
committed to conducting more training programs under the guidance of the
Commissioner General of Prisons.

The Uganda
Prisons Service marked a milestone in its efforts to professionalise and enhance
capacity building, with Intermediate Command and Staff Course.

The Commissioner
General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, expressed his gratitude to
President for his reappointment for another term in office. He stressed
that UPS has an approved structure of over 41,000 staff, and the service is
working towards achieving this target. Dr. Byabashaija acknowledged the support
of the sister forces in empowering and building the capacities of UPS
staff at the Police Senior Command and Staff College, Bwebajja.

Additionally,
the construction of low-cost housing units is underway to address accommodation
challenges faced by prison staff.

Maj. Gen (RTD) Kahinda
Otafiire, Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs congratulated the Prison
officers on their successful completion of the Course. Speaking at the passout
ceremony, the Minister revealed that the Government is planning to improve
staff welfare in both the Uganda Prisons Service and Uganda
Police Force.

He announced that he is
working closely with the Commissioner General of Prisons to revitalize Prisons
Industries with the required improvements. Hon. Otafiire directed UPS to enroll
over 100 Officers in the next Intermediate Command and Staff Course, emphasizing
the importance of building capacities of Prisons Officers. This move is
expected to enhance the skills and knowledge of UPS staff, ultimately improving
the overall efficiency of the service

Upon
successful accomplishment of the course, the graduates received a Certificate
of Completion from Uganda Prisons Service, a Certificate in Institutional
Leadership and Management from Uganda Management Institute (UMI), and a
Certificate in Peace and Conflict Transformation from Makerere University

Notable guests were Lt.
Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP) James Ochaya, and other top leaders
from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, Makerere University and
Uganda Management Institute (UMI) among others.

Uganda Prisons Service
recognized outstanding officers with prestigious awards for their exceptional
performance, leadership, and innovation during the course.

Mr. Robert Tagoola Naimuli,
Senior Superintendent of Prisons, a natural leader, received the Leadership
Award. He empowered and motivated his peers, displaying good decision-making
and firmness. His leadership skills were evident throughout the course, making
him a standout recipient for this award.

Mr. Amos Niwareza,
Superintendent of Prisons, a dedicated and passionate officer, took home the
Best Overall Participant Award. He demonstrated excellence in multiple aspects
of the course, showcasing maturity, a positive attitude, and a willingness to
share knowledge and experiences with peers.

Dr. Generous Betunga
Behabura, Superintendent of Prisons, a scholar and academic excellence
personified, was honored with the Commandant's Award. She submitted a
well-researched paper on "Implementation of a Livestock Farm Management
Information System" that can inform policy formulation. Her academic
discipline and integrity were evident throughout the course.

Mr. Andrew Kenneth
Byekwaso, Superintendent of Prisons, a creative problem-solver, was recognized
with the Innovation Award. He demonstrated exceptional creativity and
innovative skills, solving problems and generating original ideas. His
innovative thinking and approach to challenges made him a standout recipient
for this award.

Mr. Samuel Ochan, Principal
Officer I, a humble and dedicated officer, received the Discipline Award. He
showcased humility, self-control, and dedication to the course, making him a
role model for his peers. His admirable character and conduct earned him this
well-deserved award.