Uganda Celebrates Prisons Chief Byabashaija as Museveni, Tayebwa Honour His Legacy of Faith and Dedicated Public Service

Uganda’s Commissioner General of Prisons, Canon Dr Johnson O.R. Byabashaija, has been celebrated for his decades of dedicated public service, exemplary leadership and contribution to national development during a colourful thanksgiving service and fundraising event held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

The November 1 event, organised by the North Kigezi Diocese–Kampala Fellowship, brought together government officials, religious leaders, ministers, members of the clergy, family members and well-wishers to celebrate Byabashaija’s life and distinguished career while raising funds towards the completion of Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano, in Rukungiri District.

The fundraising drive targeted UGX 3.7 billion to support the completion of the cathedral, a significant religious project for the North Kigezi Diocese.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni demonstrated his support for the religious initiative by contributing UGX 300 million through his representative, in recognition of the importance of faith-based institutions in promoting spiritual growth and community development.

Canon Dr Byabashaija and his family also contributed UGX 43 million towards the cathedral project, underscoring their commitment to supporting the Church and its development programmes.

In his thanksgiving remarks, Byabashaija expressed gratitude to God for his life, family and years of service, describing his 69 years of life as a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness.

“I am grateful to God for my life and family. Sixty-nine years of living is gratitude to God,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who attended the function, commended Byabashaija for his integrity, commitment to duty and transformative leadership of Uganda Prisons Service.

Tayebwa particularly highlighted the institution's transition towards rehabilitation and correctional services, noting the importance of preparing prisoners to return to society as responsible and productive citizens.

Under Byabashaija's leadership, Uganda Prisons has continued to strengthen its rehabilitation approach, focusing on skills development, discipline, productive engagement and preparing inmates for reintegration into their communities.

The emphasis on rehabilitation reflects a broader understanding of the criminal justice system, where prisons are not only places of confinement but also institutions that can help transform lives and reduce reoffending.

Several prominent government officials attended the thanksgiving, including Security Minister Jim Muhwezi and former Security Minister Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, alongside religious leaders and other distinguished guests.

The service was presided over by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, who joined Christians and other guests in celebrating Byabashaija's life and thanking God for his contribution to the country.

Byabashaija's professional journey is also a reflection of dedication and versatility. Trained as a veterinary doctor, he rose through public service to become Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons in 2005, a position he has held for more than two decades.

His leadership has been associated with efforts to modernise the prisons system, strengthen institutional management and promote rehabilitation as a central component of correctional services.

Beyond his responsibilities in government, his strong Christian faith and involvement in Church activities have remained important aspects of his public and personal life.

The thanksgiving therefore served a dual purpose: celebrating a distinguished public servant whose career has spanned several decades and mobilising resources for the completion of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.

The substantial contribution from President Museveni, the personal commitment of Byabashaija and his family, and the participation of senior government officials demonstrated the importance attached to the cathedral project and the role of faith-based institutions in national development.

As the event concluded, it left a message of gratitude, service, generosity and faith, celebrating a man whose professional responsibilities and Christian convictions have been central to his public life while rallying support for a landmark religious project in North Kigezi Diocese.