The Uganda Prisons Authority (UPS) is hailing its inmate education programs, spanning primary to senior six, as a standout rehabilitation effort, with a notable increase in Senior Six candidates this year.
According to the Uganda Prisons Authority (UPS), 70 inmates have commenced their Senior Six examinations across various prisons in the 2025 exams. Of these, 66 are male and 4 are female. Marking the largest number of prison students in the past 20 years, since the Prisons Service began enrolling inmates in UNEB exams at all levels 20 years ago.
There are 70 candidates this year compared to last year’s 49 candidates. Forty-six of the candidates this year are male, while three are women.
Uganda Prisons Spokesperson, Frank Baine, confirmed to URN that the 70 candidates started their exams without hindrance. He is optimistic about their performance.
“We want to tell the public that our Prisons are not only a place for incarceration but a true correctional center.” Baine added, “We can only now wish them the best in their exams. This is a testament to the efforts they have made to become better citizens who will lead more productive lives when they are eventually released back into society.” Baine said.
Baine reflected on the impact of education in prisons, noting that it has evolved from a casual pastime to a structured education system.
He said that transformation has empowered prisoners to become teachers, lawyers, and community leaders, showcasing the rehabilitative power of education and equipping them for productive lives post-release.
“Our research indicates that since this education program began 20 years ago, 98% of inmates initially join to alleviate boredom, but with guidance, they become committed and successful, transforming into valuable members of society and abandoning their past. This program has been the most effective rehabilitation initiative in the prison’s 20-year history,” Baine stated.
Baine emphasized that the examination process in prisons is conducted with utmost fairness, adhering strictly to UNEB’s general examination measures since the government fully supports the program and inmates undergo the same curriculum.
According to UNEB’s Public Relations Officer, Jennifer Kalule, Luzira Upper is their only designated Prison Center. It receives examination materials, scouts, and security personnel directly, like other centers.
She, however, noted that the remaining 20 inmate learning centers rely on nearby schools for support.
“For candidates in other districts, they’re registered in nearby schools and follow the same procedures as other students,” Kalule explained.
“No special treatment is given unless candidates have special needs, categorized under SNE, in which case they’re offered an extra 45 minutes,” Kalule noted.
According to UNEB 166,402 registered students have begun their exams on Monday with Arts students writing the History of Africa paper, while science students took Physics Paper One at 2844 centers across the Country, compared to 11,996 who sat in 2024.
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