The Senior Commissioner of Uganda Prisons Services (Deputy Director CCA/Service Spokesperson), SCP Frank Baine, together with other officers, have conducted a training for Officers in Charge (O.C.s) of prisons in the North Eastern region of Karamoja, with the aim of equipping the officers with essential skills and values for effective prison management and improving customer care and public relations within the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS).
During the training that was held on July 5, 2025, SCP Baine highlighted the significance of financial literacy, thereby directing the OCs to extend the financial literacy program to their staff.
“I initiated income-generating activities at Kotido Prison in the early 2000s, and I encourage you all to replicate similar initiatives in the current economic landscape,” SCP Baine said.
He emphasized the need for prison officers to save, invest, and accumulate their income, stressing the importance of planning, budgeting, and early retirement planning.
The Senior Commissioner urged the staff to prioritize needs over wants, avoid debt, and build emergency funds, as these habits can ensure financial stability, reduce stress, and help them achieve their long-term goals and stability.
“Avoid debt and build emergency funds, as these habits can ensure financial stability, reduce stress, and help them achieve their long-term goals and stability,” SCP Baine added.
Apollo Akankunda, the Commissioner of Prisons (National, Regional, and International Corporation), noted that the training will cover a wide range of topics, including components of customer care and public relations plus the duties and responsibilities of an O.C.
“The corporate identity and brand of UPS, building interpersonal relationships with key stakeholders, strategic direction of UPS, apprehension of escapes, general administration of staff and prisoners, governance and institutional capacity of UPS, as well as mindset change, doctrine, and financial literacy are some of the topics to be covered during the training,” Akankunda said.
He added that they will further share the strategies that drive successful prisons’ image, including effective communication, open-door policy, transparency and accountability, human rights observance, integrity, professionalism, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for the transformation of offenders.
The comprehensive training program is a testament to the Uganda Prisons Services’ commitment to enhancing the skills and knowledge of its officers, ultimately improving the overall performance and public perception of the service.
