The Uganda Prisons Service has promoted 258 senior officers and rolled out new appointments, transfers and administrative directives in a broad restructuring exercise intended to strengthen discipline, efficiency and service delivery across the correctional system.
The changes, approved by the Prisons Authority, were announced on Wednesday by the Service spokesperson Frank Baine, who said the exercise is anchored in constitutional and statutory provisions governing public service appointments.
According to Baine, the promotions were made in line with Articles 172(3), 215 and 217 of the Constitution, as well as Section 10(c) of the Prisons Act, 2006. He said the reshuffle reflects ongoing efforts to professionalise the service and strengthen command structures across the country.
The promoted officers span five ranks, ranging from Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP). In total, 20 officers were elevated to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, 27 to Senior Superintendent of Prisons, 34 to Superintendent of Prisons, 134 to Senior Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, and 43 to Assistant Superintendent of Prisons.
In a statement, Baine noted that the promotions were part of a deliberate effort to reinforce operational capacity and improve leadership within the service.
“The Prisons Authority has approved the promotion of 258 senior officers of the Uganda Prisons Service, covering officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons. This is intended to enhance the professionalisation of the Service,” he said.
Alongside the promotions, the Commissioner General of Prisons also announced a series of appointments and transfers designed to improve efficiency and streamline operations in key stations and departments.
Under the new changes, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Stella Salume Atoo was appointed Officer in Charge of Ssaza Prison, replacing Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Kenneth Rubangakene.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ezra Mucunguzi was appointed District Prisons Commander for Kyenjojo, while ASP Joseph Peter Ogwang was named Staff Officer for Lira.
At the regional level, Principal Officer I Harriet Gonza Nabwire and Principal Officer I Hussein Kalema were appointed Staff Officers for Kalungu and Buikwe respectively. Principal Officer II Samuel Masembe was deployed to Kibaale as Staff Officer.
Several transfers were also effected across major prison facilities. ASP Claire Hope Lakeraber was moved from Kigo Main Prison to Prisons Headquarters under the Department of Industries, while ASP Geraldine Stephanie was transferred from Gulu Main Prison to Murchison Bay Prison.
ASP David Togo was redeployed from Masaka Main Prison to Arua Main Prison, while ASP Joseph Okello was transferred from Adjumani Prison Farm to Masaka Main Prison. Principal Officer I Lamek Opii was also moved from Biiso Prison to Arua Main Prison.
In addition, three officers were directed to proceed on accumulated leave pending further review by the Prisons Authority. These include Superintendent of Prisons Peter Muhekyi, the District Prisons Commander for Gulu, ASP Howard Akampulira, Staff Officer for the Mid-Central Region, and ASP Karim Nserunkuma, Staff Officer for Ibanda.
The Commissioner General of Prisons commended the promoted officers for their service, noting that their elevation reflects discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty across the institution.
“All the promotions, appointments, transfers and leave directives take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.
