30 government agencies order furniture from Prisons

David Okello, one of the inmates, works on a door frame at a carpentry workshop in Luzira Upper Prison in Kampala in 2016. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

Kamapala- At least 30 government ministries, departments and agencies have placed orders for furniture from Uganda Prisons Service in line with the president’s directive.

While presiding at the passing-out of prison trainees in 2016, President Museveni directed all government departments and agencies, including State House, to buy furniture made by the Uganda Prisons.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija, said the funds have been made available for them to produce furniture as directed.

“We have the motivation, commitment, technical know-how and the resources to execute the mandate given to us by the President,” Dr Byabashaija said at the commissioning of Shs600m wood drying facility at Luzira Prison in Nakawa Division in Kampala on Wednesday.

He said the facility would save money and time spent in drying wood without compromising the quality of their products.
Dr Byabashaija says the prisons service is constructing two workshops at Luzira Upper Prison and the new Kitalya Prison in Mityana to expand the working area.

He revealed that the carpentry works are done by prisoners under the supervision of prison staff.

Under the Prisons Act, semi-skilled inmates are paid Shs800 per day and skilled ones are paid Shs1,300 per day.

“All the inmates working in these workshops are paid in line with the laws. And those working will be equipped with skills to enable them execute their work to the required standard,” Dr Byabashaija said.

Nakawa Division Mayor Ronald Balimwezo commended the prisons service for the facility.

“This is an important facility for the growth of the economy. It is going to help inmates to acquire more skills and also earn while in detention,” Mr Balimwezo said.