200 inmates graduate

KAMPALA-Luzira Upper Prison has awarded certificates to 200 Luzira Maximum security inmates in vocational skills.

This was revealed by John Chrysostom, the Minister of State for Higher Education Muyingo during the 1st graduation ceremony that was held on Wednesday at Luzira Upper Prison in Kampala.

The education programme was championed and granted by East African Polytechnic College-Kyambogo (EAPC) as part of its corporate social responsibility to rehabilitate inmates.

Muyingo, who presided over the ceremony, applauded the graduates for being persistent in seeking skills and promised to fund them with the necessary equipment.

"As the ministry, we are going to recognise and add more support to all the inmates' education programs in the country. We shall provide tailoring machines and all other necessary equipment needed," Muyingo said.

He noted that EAPC's intervention permitted the trainees to gain skills that would enable them manage their own business after serving their terms.

 The 200 graduates attained skills in carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, bookbinding, crafting, weaving, jik making, music dance and drama, barber, soap making, shoe making and craft, mushroom rolling and guidance and counseling.

Samuel Akena, the Commissioner, Uganda Prisons Service said teaching inmates with such skills gives them chance to earn themselves a living.

"This rehabilitates their minds; they change into law-abiding citizens and chances of committing crime in the society again when released are minimal," Akena said.