The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has taken a significant step towards bolstering the health and well-being of its staff, particularly those in the Safety and Security Unit (SSU).
In a Friday, November 11, 2024, post by Uganda Prisons Service on their official X handle, a health sensitization session was conducted, focusing on preventive measures for infectious diseases, with a special emphasis on Ebola.
Dr. Charles Kajoba Kimuli, the Prisons Incident Commander, led the session, emphasizing the heightened risk of Ebola infection for SSU officers due to their frequent mobile operations, often extending to border areas.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Health has responded to this concern by providing 2,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine, prioritizing UPS staff and frontline health workers.
“The Ministry of Health provided 2,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine to UPS, prioritizing staff and frontline health workers,’’ Kajoba said.
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In addition to vaccination, Dr. Kajoba stressed the importance of awareness campaigns to educate officers about Ebola prevention, symptoms, and the benefits of vaccination.
Addressing officers, Dr. Kajoba also shared guidance on preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, encouraging optimal nutrition, stress management, and physical fitness.
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He further raised awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention and safe practices, given that the SSU frequently engages in high-mobility roles across different operations.
“Abstinence, faithfulness to your partners, and consistent condom use are very important against entering high-risk sexual networks,’’ Dr. Kajoba added.
By combining these strategies, the UPS aims to empower its staff to protect themselves and their communities from the threat of infectious diseases.
