The Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, has presided over the pass-out ceremony of 1,238 newly trained prison warders and wardresses at the Luzira Prisons Complex, marking a significant boost to the country’s correctional services.
The ceremony, held at the Maroon Grounds on Friday, brought together senior officials from across the security sector, including representatives from the Uganda Police Force. The new recruits completed a rigorous nine-month training program designed to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and rehabilitation-focused custody within the prison system.
According to officials, the graduating cohort comprises 912 men and 326 women, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion within the Uganda Prisons Service.
In her remarks, Vice President Alupo congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their training and urged them to serve with integrity and dedication. She emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline while upholding the rights and dignity of inmates.
“You are joining a critical institution that plays a key role in national stability. Your duty is not only to guard but also to contribute to the rehabilitation and transformation of offenders,” she said.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, called on the new officers to strike a balance between firmness and compassion in the execution of their duties.
“You must exercise authority firmly, but always with humanity,” Otafiire said. “The work you are going into requires patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of the responsibility you carry.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, praised the recruits for their resilience throughout the training period and highlighted the vital role they will play in strengthening national security.
“These officers are a crucial addition to our workforce. They will help us address staffing gaps while advancing our mission of rehabilitation and reintegration,” Byabashaija noted.
Security agencies represented at the event underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maintaining law and order. Assistant Inspector General of Police Moses Kafeero attended on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, signaling continued cooperation between police and prison authorities.
The graduation comes at a time when Uganda is working to modernize its correctional system, with a growing focus on rehabilitation programs, skills development, and humane treatment of inmates. Authorities say the addition of new personnel will improve service delivery and reduce the burden on existing staff.
Officials also reiterated the need for professionalism in handling inmates, noting that correctional facilities are not only places of confinement but also centers for reform.
The pass-out ceremony concluded with a parade and formal handover of the recruits to the Uganda Prisons Service, marking the beginning of their deployment across various facilities in the country.
With the latest intake, the government hopes to strengthen the capacity of the prison system to meet evolving demands while aligning with international standards on human rights and correctional management.
