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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Dr Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has warned officers against social media misconduct. This comes after Christmas standby class one directives were leaked before the official release date.
The orders starting on December 15, 2023, were meant to be released on Monday to all regional, division, and station prison commanders as well as the media.
Byabashaija’s Christmas directives have suspended hired labor services, canceled all staff annual leaves, suspended outsiders’ visitation to prisons, and also ordered commanders to control the admission of prisoners in outside health facilities.
In response, Byabashaija through Frank Baine, the Prison’s Spokesperson, has warned all UPS staff to desist from misusing social media and expect stringent actions to be taken.
“The Commissioner General, UPS has issued a directive to all staff on misuse of social media directing them to desist from posting unprofessional photos and videos while on duty. Any culprit to this act will be subjected to prison disciplinary procedures as stipulated in the prison standing orders,” Baine said.
For Christmas security, Byabashaija has ordered commanders to strengthen and enhance prison security, intelligence, and coordination with other security agencies as you remain vigilant. Despite the ban on annual leave, Byabashaija has said staff with exceptional cases should be handled by regional commanders.
“Prisoner visitations are suspended. However, prisoners’ items can be delivered at the prison gate. Adapt a two-shift staff deployment to increase numbers and presence. Officers in charge must be present in their units at all times and attend to prisoners and staff complaints as and when they raise,” Byabashaija directives read in part.
To stop social media misuse and leakage of documents, Byabashaija has ordered commanders to ensure strict compliance with guidelines and provide guidance to the staff under their command accordingly.
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