The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has announced a fresh wave of appointments, transfers, redeployments and leave arrangements affecting senior officers across the country, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at professionalising the force and improving service delivery.
In a press release issued on February 12, 2026, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr Johnson Byabashaija confirmed the changes, describing them as strategic leadership adjustments intended to strengthen command structures and fill key operational gaps.
According to UPS spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja, the reshuffle follows the successful completion of the Fourth Prisons Intermediate Command and Staff Course at the Prisons Academy and Training School (PATS) in Luzira, which has equipped a new cohort of officers with enhanced supervisory and analytical skills.
“The deployments are intended to position trained officers into leadership roles to head prison institutions and strengthen operational command,” Baine said.
Focus on Strengthening Command
UPS said the redeployments involve officers from the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) up to Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP), with several assigned to sensitive headquarters departments and district command responsibilities.
The move is also intended to enhance professionalism as the Service continues implementing a modern staffing structure that was recently approved to expand the force to over 49,000 personnel, including the introduction of new ranks aligned with international correctional standards.
Service Still Under Standby Class One
The reshuffle comes at a time when Uganda Prisons remains under Standby Class One, the highest security readiness status, which has been in effect since December 15, 2025, ahead of the 2026 general election period.
Under the standby directive, UPS has maintained strict operational measures, including restrictions on staff leave, temporary curbs on prisoner visitations during high-risk periods, and suspension of hired prisoner labour locally known as kibarua.
UPS noted that these measures are meant to ensure maximum deployment of personnel and maintain internal security across all prison facilities.
Key Appointments at Headquarters
Among the notable senior redeployments is Ms Aliyo Naatukunda, appointed Acting Senior Commissioner in charge of Legal Advisory and Human Rights, while Ms Brenda Sana has been assigned as Head of Department for Human Resource Planning and Development.
Other headquarters postings include Mr Robert Jolly Bamutura to the Department of Estates and Engineering, Mr Ben Nicomedie Ahimbisibwe as Officer in Charge of the Pensions Division, and Mr Arthur Mugaba appointed Agricultural Engineer in charge of farms at Prisons Headquarters.
District Command Changes
In the regional and field command transfers, Mr Ronald Mukwoli has been appointed District Prisons Commander (DPC) for Kalungu, while Mr Timothy Innocent Osiride has been posted as Officer in Charge of Kakumiro Prisons.
Other postings include Mr David Ekuma as Officer in Charge of Mugoye Prisons, and Ms Doreen Nekesa assigned as Officer in Charge of Moroto (W) Prison.
Promotions, Retirement and Contract Extension
UPS also confirmed a number of personnel movements involving promotions and retirements.
Mr Jackson Musinguzi, formerly a Prison Officer I stationed at Kyakasengura, has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP), while Wdrss Nyaketch Faith has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.
Meanwhile, Mr Thomson Michael Obini (SSP), the District Prisons Commander of Arua, has been granted early retirement.
UPS also announced a 24-month local contract extension for Mr John Michael Opolot (ASP) of Masindi Prison.
Officers Required to Report Immediately
UPS emphasised that the appointments and transfers take immediate effect, with all officers required to report to their new stations without delay.
The Service added that the Standby Class One status remains active until February 15, 2026, requiring officers to remain at their assigned duty stations as Uganda enters a critical national security period.
The latest reshuffle signals continued efforts by the Uganda Prisons leadership to strengthen command efficiency, improve service delivery, and align the institution with modern correctional management practices.
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