Uganda Prisons boss Byabashaija seeks faster rollout of parole

KAMPALA - The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, wants faster implementation of the parole system in the Uganda Prisons Service.

The initiative, he said, will help reduce congestion in prisons, improve inmate management, and promote discipline and social order. Call for fast implementation is expected to accelerate the rollout scheduled for 2026/27.

The system allows qualifying convicts to serve the remainder of their sentences outside of prison under supervision. The mechanism focuses on inmates who show good behaviour, aiming to shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative justice.

Senior officers attending the Prisons Council.

This initiative aims to decongest prisons by rehabilitating, re-educating, and reintegrating reformed inmates back into society. 

Byabashaija made the call on April 20th while chairing the 36th Uganda Prisons Service Council Meeting at the Luzira Prisons Complex Youth Centre in the Kampala Extra Region.

The Council, which is the second-highest decision-making body of the Uganda Prisons Service after the Prisons Authority, plays a central role in guiding the Service.

Prison officers taking oath as they joined the Council on April 21.

Its functions include making appointments and promoting prison officers up to the rank of Principal Officer, as well as exercising disciplinary control over officers within its mandate.

The Council, chaired by the Commissioner General, also advises the Prisons Authority on the rank structure of service and formulates terms and conditions of staff service, subject to approval.

In addition, it sets standards for recruitment and training, determines the types and quality of equipment and supplies to be procured, and formulates policies for the Service while ensuring their effective implementation.

Furthermore, the Council is responsible for ensuring the efficient organisation and administration of the Service and promoting a national character and balanced composition within its workforce.

It may also appoint committees from among its members to support the execution of its duties.

A release from the Uganda Prisons Services states that, among its key outcomes, the 36th Prisons Council confirmed the promotion of junior officers, recognising their hard work, dedication and commitment to service.

The meeting also emphasised the Uganda Prisons Service’s commitment to professionalism, strong administration and continuous improvement in fulfilling its mandate of safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders.