Prisons Service Passes Out 201 Custodial Health Workers After Induction Training

The Uganda Prisons Service has passed out 201 custodial health workers following the successful completion of a one-month induction course held at the Prisons Academy and Training School.

The officers, drawn from recently passed-out recruit warders and wardresses, completed their induction during a ceremony held at the Luzira Prisons Staff Clinic. They also underwent practical medical training within the Luzira Group of Prisons.

The 201 custodial health workers comprise 33 clinical officers, 120 enrolled nurses, 15 registered nurses, 13 enrolled midwives, six pharmacy technicians, four pharmacy assistants, three psychiatric nurses, two laboratory technicians, two theatre assistants, one community psychology and psychotherapy officer, one medical records officer, and one registered midwife.

While representing Commissioner General of Prisons Lay Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, John Bosco Tumwebaze, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Administration, thanked the Prisons Academy and Training School for preparing the officers during their training.

“I congratulate the graduates upon completing the induction. Medical workers are an important part of the Uganda Prisons Service establishment,” Tumwebaze said.

He urged the officers to serve with professionalism, discipline, and integrity while adhering to the Prisons core values and code of conduct.

Tumwebaze also encouraged them to balance work and personal life, utilise the Prisons SACCO and Duty Free Shop, and observe mandatory leave. He warned against desertion, noting that clear procedures exist for exiting the service.

The officers swore an oath of allegiance to serve in any part of the country and to protect the Constitution of Uganda.

Tumwebaze noted that the service is relying on them to improve healthcare for prison staff, inmates, and surrounding communities, stressing that health remains central to effective service delivery.

“Observe medical ethics, maintain confidentiality, and remain professional while carrying out your duties,” said Stella Nabunya, Commissioner of Prisons in charge of Health Services.

Dr James Kisambu, Commissioner of Medical Services, said deployment of the 201 custodial health workers will ensure 100 per cent medical personnel coverage across all prison units in the country, describing it as a major milestone in prison health service delivery.

In recent years, the Prisons Service has expanded health facilities, recruited more medical personnel, improved medical supplies, and strengthened disease prevention programmes.

The passing out is expected to further improve healthcare services for staff, inmates, and surrounding communities.

The ceremony was attended by officers in charge of prisons within Kampala Extra Region, senior medical officers from Luzira, and Prisons Headquarters.