Prisons bans officers from posting videos on social media while in line of duty.

   Frank Baine - spokesperson Prisons

Uganda’s Commissioner General of Prisons Johnson Byabashaija has issued a directive to all their staff on misuse of social media, directing them to desist from posting unprofessional photos and videos while on duty.

According to the prisons’ spokesperson Frank Baine, officers who will fail to adhere to the new rule will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“any culprit to this act will be subjected to the prisons’ disciplinary procedures as stipulated in the prisons standing part 1 of 2017 Appendix 6. All concerned officers must ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and provide guidance to the staff under their command accordingly.” Said Baine

In the same vaine, Baine says the commissioner general further issued other new guidelines to all units ahead of the festive season, in the bid to tighten the security for all prisoners during this festive season a number of which included the suspension of end of year parties by the officers among others as listed below:-

-Strengthen and enhance prison security, intelligence and coordination with other security agencies as they remain vigilant and alert.

-conduct routine patrols around the prisons and within the barracks.

-Hired prisoners labour suspended

-staff leave is here by suspended except emergency cases which shall be handled by the regional commanders.

-Adapt a two shift staff deployment to increase numbers and presence at all times.

- prisoners visitations are suspended however prisoner’s items can be delivered at the prisoners gate.

-officers in-charge must be present in their units at all times and attend prisoners and staff complaints as and when they arise.

-staff end of year parties are suspended.

-Intensify searches of prisons

- Ensure that there is enough supplies to take you through this period.

-control admission of prisoners in outside health facilities.

-restrict unauthorised persons from entering the barracks.

-officers in-charge must submit daily situational reports to the commissioner general of prisons through their regional prisons commanders.

-Ensure staff and prisoners get their Christmas meat in the right quantities as communicated in that reference dated 5th December 2023.

Baine says, officers that will breach the guidelines shall be held responsible for their actions by the prisons body.

As of today there are 39784 convicts, 36786 remands, 519 debtors, making a total of 770,89 of these women are 3,708 and mother’s with babies are 284.

Story by: derrick kanalo