Summary:
- Born in Kajumiro village, Nyakishenyi sub-county, Rubabo County, Rukungiri District, Dr. Byabashaija received his early education at Nyakishenyi Primary School, Kamwezi Primary School, and Mukyayi Primary School. He later attended Mutorere Secondary School in Kisoro District for his O-level education before completing his A-levels at Makerere College School, where he studied Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Subsidiary Mathematics. He pursued a four-year course in Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University Veterinary School.
KAMPALA: President Yoweri Museveni, as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, has once again appointed Canon Dr. Johnson Omuhunde Rwashote Byabashaija as Commissioner General of Prisons, a position he has held since his initial appointment in 2005.
Exercising his authority under Article 216 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and following the advice of the Prisons Authority under sections 10(1)(b) and 18 of the Prison Act 2006, President Museveni communicated his decision to the Prison Authority and Minister of Internal Affairs. Canon Dr. Byabashaija’s reappointment is for a contractual term of 24 months (2 years), commencing May 2nd, 2024. This reappointment underscores President Museveni’s continued confidence in the leadership of the Prisons Chief, despite recent sanctions imposed by the United States.
The US Department of Treasury sanctioned Dr. Byabashaija in December last year, citing allegations of torture within the country’s correctional facilities. These sanctions followed visa restrictions imposed by the US on unnamed Ugandan government officials accused of human rights violations and repression of marginalized groups, particularly after the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Law, which drew opposition from Washington and other pro-gay states.
In recognition of his service, Dr. Byabashaija was honored with the Justice Law and Order Sectors (JLOS) Distinguished Service Award during the 22nd Joint Government of Uganda and Development Partners JLOS Annual Review Conference in 2017.
Dr. Byabashaija’s journey in the Uganda Prison Service began in 1982 when he enrolled in a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Course at the Prisons Training School. Subsequently, he served at various capacities, including overseeing the hatchery at Kigo Prison for approximately 15 years before rising to the position of Officer-in-Charge.
His career progression saw him ascend to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons in 1999, followed by a transfer to Prisons Headquarters as Assistant Commissioner in charge of Farms inspectorate in 2000. He further climbed the ranks, serving as Senior Assistant Commissioner for two years before assuming the role of Deputy Commissioner General for one and a half years. In 2005, Dr. Byabashaija was appointed Commissioner General of Prisons, succeeding Joseph Etima upon his retirement.
Dr. Byabashaija’s tenure has been marked by notable achievements, including the transformation of prisons into self-sustaining institutions through agricultural initiatives. He has also overseen the expansion of facilities such as Kitalya Modern Prisons and others across Uganda. Notably, he has prioritized improving housing conditions for prison warders nationwide.
Born in Kajumiro village, Nyakishenyi sub-county, Rubabo County, Rukungiri District, Dr. Byabashaija received his early education at Nyakishenyi Primary School, Kamwezi Primary School, and Mukyayi Primary School. He later attended Mutorere Secondary School in Kisoro District for his O-level education before completing his A-levels at Makerere College School, where he studied Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Subsidiary Mathematics. He pursued a four-year course in Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University Veterinary School.
