Uganda Prisons Service Graduates 201 Custodial Health Workers in Major Boost to Prison Healthcare

Officer, one Medical Records Officer, and one Registered Midwife.

During the training, the officers also underwent hands-on practical medical instruction within the Luzira Group of Prisons, equipping them with both custodial and clinical skills necessary to operate in prison health environments.

Representing the Commissioner General of Prisons, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Administration, Mr. John Bosco Tumwebaze, applauded the Prisons Academy and Training School for successfully preparing the officers during their nine months of recruit training and subsequent medical induction.

He congratulated the graduates upon completing the course and reminded them that healthcare professionals remain critical in supporting the welfare of inmates, prison staff, and surrounding communities.

Mr. Tumwebaze urged the officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, confidentiality, and integrity while executing their duties. He further encouraged them to remain committed to the core values and code of conduct of the Uganda Prisons Service.

He also advised the graduates to balance their professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing by utilizing welfare programs such as the Prisons SACCO and Duty Free Shop, while observing mandatory leave as required under service regulations.

At the same event, the officers took an oath of allegiance committing themselves to serve in any part of the country and defend the Constitution of Uganda while carrying out their responsibilities.

Mr. Tumwebaze cautioned the officers against acts of desertion and indiscipline, emphasizing that the institution has established procedures for any officer wishing to exit the Service lawfully.

Speaking during the ceremony, Commissioner of Prisons in charge of Health Services, Mrs. Stella Nabunya, challenged the graduates to uphold medical ethics and maintain confidentiality while handling patients within prison facilities.

She stressed that prison healthcare workers play a delicate role that requires compassion, professionalism, and respect for human dignity regardless of an inmate’s background.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Medical Services Dr. James Kisambu revealed that the deployment of the 201 custodial health workers will enable the Uganda Prisons Service to achieve full medical personnel coverage across all prison units in the country.

He described the achievement as a major milestone in improving prison healthcare systems and enhancing access to medical services for both inmates and prison officers.

Dr. Kisambu noted that the institution has in recent years invested heavily in expanding prison health infrastructure, recruiting additional medical personnel, strengthening disease prevention interventions, and improving access to medical supplies and treatment services.

He added that the latest deployment is expected to significantly improve emergency response, maternal healthcare, mental health support, and disease management within correctional facilities.

Senior prison officers, medical personnel from Luzira and officials from the Prisons Headquarters, together with Officers in Charge from various prisons within Kampala Extra Region, attended the colorful passing-out ceremony.