Senior officers of the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) are currently undergoing a refresher training program focused on human rights, specifically tailored for critical engagements within their roles.
The training aims to enhance their understanding of human rights principles and strengthen the protection of these rights in the country. The objective is to ensure that all individuals in Uganda, particularly those in detention, can effectively enjoy their rights.
Speaking at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday, Ms Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (URHC), acknowledged the unique nature of the officers’ work, dealing with individuals who have been temporarily withdrawn from society for various reasons.
She expressed appreciation for the challenges they face, including the presence of innocent prisoners and babies in detention with their mothers.
Ms Wangadya emphasized the importance of navigating these challenges with minimal unintended harm.
The training program covers several topics, including sharing experiences on UPS’s efforts to comply with human rights obligations, assessing the state of human rights observance within UPS, and discussing associated challenges and recommendations.
Mr Milton Tiyo, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Correctional Services, expressed hope that the training would serve as a reminder to senior officers of their duties and obligations regarding the observation, promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights for both inmates and staff.
He highlighted the timeliness of the training, as it provides an opportunity for senior officers to refresh their knowledge and gain new insights, statistics, and information relevant to human rights.
Currently, the Uganda Prisons Service comprises 14,468 staff members and houses 75,991 inmates, including 286 children.