The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has officially decorated 113 promoted sports staff during a colourful ceremony held at the Maroons Grounds at Luzira Prisons Complex, in recognition of their dedication, discipline and outstanding contribution to sports development within the institution.
The ceremony brought together athletes, coaches, managers, sports administrators and supporters in a celebration marking a significant milestone in the careers of officers who have continued to represent the Uganda Prisons Service with distinction in various sporting disciplines at local and international levels.
The promotions followed the recently released list by the Commissioner General of Prisons as part of the Service’s continued efforts to reward hard work, commitment, talent and professionalism among staff.
Among the officers promoted was athletics coach Janet Achola, who rose to the rank of Principal Officer II.
Other promotions were made across several ranks, including Chief Warder/Wardress I, Chief Warder/Wardress II, Chief Warder/Wardress III, Sergeant Warder/Wardress, Corporal Warder/Wardress and Lance Corporal.
According to the promotion breakdown, one officer was elevated to Principal Officer II, two officers to Chief Warder/Wardress I, three to Chief Warder/Wardress II, two to Chief Warder/Wardress III, 30 to Sergeant Warder/Wardress, 54 to Corporal Warder/Wardress and 21 to Lance Corporal.
The athletics department registered the highest number of promotions, with 39 officers elevated to different ranks.
Among the notable beneficiaries were Jackson Kiprop, who was promoted to Chief Warder I, and Irene Chemusto, who rose to Chief Warder III.
The football fraternity also registered notable achievements during the ceremony, with Maroons FC head coach Mohamed Senfuma promoted to the rank of Sergeant Warder.
Other disciplines recognised included handball, netball, volleyball, taekwondo and darts, with athletes, coaches and team managers receiving promotions in recognition of their contribution and achievements.
In netball, Lilian Ajio was promoted to Chief Wardress I, while volleyball head coach Richard Olupot rose to the rank of Corporal.
Over the years, the Uganda Prisons Service has continued to register success in sports under the leadership of Commissioner General of Prisons Lay Canon Dr Johnson Byabashaija.
UPS teams and athletes have consistently excelled in football, athletics, handball, boxing, netball, volleyball and other disciplines, winning medals, trophies and titles in national, regional and international competitions.