A total of 102 inmates have begun their 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations at Upper Prison and Mbarara Main Prison, as part of ongoing rehabilitation programs.
According to a statement from the Uganda Prisons Service, the exercise marks a smooth start to the national examinations in prisons, conducted under the National Universal Education Policy.
The initiative provides formal education opportunities to inmates, seen as a key element in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Service Spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja commended the candidates for their commitment and resilience, noting their dedication to learning despite challenging circumstances.
“The Commissioner General of Prisons wishes all candidates success, commending their dedication, resilience, and commitment to formal education,” the statement read in part.
Education in prisons is widely recognized as a transformative tool for rehabilitation. It equips inmates with literacy, vocational, and life skills, increasing their chances of successful reintegration upon release.
Studies show that inmates who pursue education while incarcerated are less likely to reoffend and more likely to secure employment after completing their sentences.
In Uganda, the Prisons Service has been expanding education programs for inmates through collaborations with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), and various non-governmental organizations.
These programs range from adult literacy classes to formal secondary and vocational training.
Prison centers are expected to host not only the UCE exams but also the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
The successful start of the 2025 UCE exams underscores the government’s commitment to giving inmates a second chance through education, promoting rehabilitation as a cornerstone of correctional justice.
