Agency
The Uganda Prisons Service has declared a Standby Class One period for all its staff, effective from December 15, 2025 to February 15, 2026, as part of heightened security preparations ahead of the festive season and the forthcoming general elections.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner General of Prisons Dr. Johnson Byabashaija has directed all prison units across the country to strengthen security, intelligence gathering, and coordination with sister security and intelligence agencies during the two-month period.
According to the directive, all prison officers are required to remain fully alert and vigilant at all times, with routine patrols to be conducted both within and around prison facilities and staff barracks to prevent any security breaches.
As part of the new measures, Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja who signed the Press Release states that the use of hired prisoners’ labour, commonly known as kibarua, has been suspended until further notice.
In addition, staff leave will be heavily restricted, with only exceptional cases to be considered.
The Uganda Prisons Service has also announced the temporary suspension of prisoners’ visitations during specific high-risk periods
Visits will not be allowed from December 24th to 27th, 2025, January 1st to 4th, 2026, and January 14th to 16th, 2026.
