Regional Prisons Commanders attend training to improve management
“The training seeks to strengthen the understanding of the role of Regional Prisons Commanders as provided for under Section 32 of the Uganda Prisons Service Act, 2006,” the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has observed.
Regional Prisons Commanders attending the training. (Photos by Petride Mudoola)
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Regional Prisons Commanders are currently undergoing training to strengthen regional leadership and equip them with expertise to enable them to effectively manage prisoners and staff under their command.
“The training seeks to strengthen the understanding of the role of Regional Prisons Commanders as provided for under Section 32 of the Uganda Prisons Service Act, 2006,” the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has observed.
Byabashaija made the remarks while officiating at the launch of the Regional Prisons Com/c][manders training, which was held at the Prison’s Academy and Training School on Wednesday (September 9, 2026).
Themed 'Discipline, Dignity and Development: The New Face of Uganda Prisons Service', the training is aimed at strengthening regional leadership through equipping commanders with skills for effective management of correctional facilities.
The law mandates the Prisons Chief to appoint a Senior Prisons Officer to head each region as the Regional Prisons Commander of which the training is drawn from the Service’s 19 administrative regions and selected District Prisons Commanders.
Byabashaija appealed to the regional commanders to become agents of transformation. This, he says, will help to ensure progress of Uganda Prisons Service is not only seen at the Prison Headquarters but also within regions plus all the prison units countrywide.
The Prisons Chief called on the commanders to use their positions to improve discipline, security, welfare and development across their areas of command, noting that the administration and supervision of prisons within that region is vested in Regional Prison Commanders.
Byabashaija emphasised discipline as a key foundation of the service and urged commanders to maintain professional conduct, accountability, security and respect for lawful procedures.
Regarding development, Byabashaija encouraged commanders to make good use of the available resources to develop practical, low-cost projects for establishment of staff accommodation and prison infrastructure.
He further called for tougher inspection and proper consultation while coming up with major decisions and leadership skills to encourage positive change at both regional and station level.
John Bosco Tumwebaze, the Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Prisons Administration, noted that the training will strengthen commanders’ skills in discipline, prisoner and staff management, welfare, security, infrastructure development and effective administration.
Tumwebaze went on to explain that the training is intended to improve coordination between regional offices and prison stations hence promote transparent and results-oriented service delivery.
Regional Prisons Commanders will definitely benefit from the training, considering the fact that they represent the Commissioner General at regional level and they are also responsible for prison stations, staff and prisoners within the region.
Besides, Regional Prisons Commanders supervise District Prisons Commanders and Officers in Charge while providing overall command and control within their respective regions.