Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has praised the Commissioner General of Prisons, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, for his integrity, patriotism and outstanding contribution to national service during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Kololo in Kampala.
Tayebwa joined Byabashaija, his family, friends and Christians from North Kigezi Diocese for the thanksgiving service, which was led by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe.
The ceremony also served as a fundraising event aimed at supporting the construction of the North Kigezi Diocese Cathedral.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by former Minister and senior presidential representative Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, also paid tribute to Byabashaija, commending his patriotism and dedication to serving the country.
During the celebration, Byabashaija expressed gratitude to God for the blessings in his life, highlighting 43 years of service, including 21 years as Commissioner General of Prisons, 69 years of life and 35 years of marriage.
He also acknowledged the importance of faith throughout his professional journey, noting his continued commitment to serving both the nation and the Church.
Beyond his responsibilities in the Uganda Prisons Service, Byabashaija serves as the Head of Laity of North Kigezi Diocese and Chairperson of the Kampala Fellowship for the Diocese.
Tayebwa described him as a man of "impeccable and unquestionable integrity," saying his personal values are reflected in the way he manages the Uganda Prisons Service.
He further pointed to the institution's accountability and financial management, noting that it rarely receives audit queries from the Auditor General.
Under Byabashaija's leadership, the Uganda Prisons Service has undergone significant transformation, moving from a largely punitive system towards a professional correctional institution that emphasises rehabilitation, reform and the successful reintegration of prisoners into society.
The shift reflects a broader approach to corrections, where prisons are not only places of punishment but also institutions that prepare inmates to return to their communities as responsible and productive citizens.
Uganda has also been recognised for its relatively low rates of reoffending among released prisoners, an achievement attributed in part to rehabilitation and reform programmes implemented within the prison system.
According to Tayebwa, the success of the institution is reflected in the transformation of prisoners before they return to society, demonstrating the importance of rehabilitation in building safer communities.
The thanksgiving service therefore celebrated not only Byabashaija's personal milestones but also his contribution to public service, religious leadership and the transformation of Uganda's correctional system.