Frank Baine, Uganda Prisons Spokesperson has encouraged officers to take a proactive role in community outreach, highlighting that their actions and interactions significantly influence public perceptions.
He reminded them that they serve as ambassadors of the service and their conduct and communication can positively impact how the community views the UPS’s efforts.
Baine made the remarks in the training which is aimed at enhancing the customer care and public relations skills of the officers, as well as promote community engagement and awareness of Uganda Prisons Service’s activities and initiatives.
He explained that the Uganda Prisons ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships is vital for building trust and support, which is essential for the success of their initiatives.
SCP Frank Baine emphasized the importance of public relations in shaping the image and effectiveness of Uganda Prisons
“Effective communication and maintaining positive relationships with the public and stakeholders are significant for building trust and support, which are essential for the success of rehabilitation and reintegration programs,” Baine said.
Baine further defined the prison terms and aligned them to the context of emphasizing that customers include inmates, staff, visitors, neighboring communities, key stakeholders, supervisors, and families of staff.
“It is important to ensure humane treatment, active listening, and understanding, particularly towards prisoners, who are the primary customers of the prison system,” Baine noted.
He reminded officers to exercise caution, consideration, and humility in their interactions with all customers, promoting a culture of respect and empathy in Uganda Prisons Service.
Frank Baine also highlighted the essential duties of citizens as outlined in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. He encouraged the officers to embrace and uphold these principles, which are crucial for promoting national development, unity, and the well-being of all citizens. Adding, “By adhering to these duties, citizens can exercise and enjoy their rights and freedoms while contributing to the betterment of the nation.”
Baine noted that Uganda Prisons has undergone significant transformation, stating, “We have shifted from a punitive to a correctional service, with a development goal of transforming every prisoner into a productive and law-abiding citizen,” he explained.
In addition to mindset change, he emphasized the importance of financial literacy among prisons officers. “Money is earned, accumulated, hidden through savings, and multiplied through investments,” he highlighted.
“However, common mistakes such as making no budget, living beyond your means, seeking money miracles, and underestimating the value of small notes can hinder financial progress.”
To counter these mistakes, Mr. Baine stressed that financial discipline is essential for officers. “By capitalizing on the opportunities and benefits available through stability, officers can improve their financial well-being and support the transformation of Uganda Prisons Service,” he concluded.
