ONC Boss Namyalo delivers capital tools to boost inmate skills at Kitalya

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Senior Presidential Advisor and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), SPA/PA Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, Thursday fulfilled her pledge to support inmates at Kitalya Min-Maximum Prison, donating carpentry equipment worth millions of shillings to strengthen vocational training and rehabilitation.

The intervention follows her recent Ramadan visit, during which prison authorities raised concerns over inadequate tools in the carpentry section, prompting her commitment to intervene.

The equipment was received by the Officer in Charge, SP Hassan Walangira, who praised the timely support. “We are truly grateful for this gesture. It is encouraging to see continued support that directly improves inmates’ skills and future livelihoods,” he said.

Walangira noted that while the tailoring section has been performing well, the carpentry department had long struggled due to limited machinery, now addressed through the donation from ONC Kyambogo.

At Kitalya Farm Prison, SP David Musinguzi commended Hajjat for extending empowerment initiatives to marginalised groups, including inmates. He revealed that the facility houses 1,314 inmates supervised by the 128 staff and faces significant operational challenges, particularly water scarcity affecting agricultural production.

In response, Namyalo pledged to lobby for the construction of boreholes to ensure reliable water supply and committed to mobilising additional welding machines to expand vocational training.

She also raised concern over congestion in correctional facilities, especially the high number of inmates on remand, calling for faster judicial processes to ease overcrowding.

The latest intervention highlights a growing shift toward rehabilitation-focused support, equipping inmates with practical skills to enhance reintegration into society upon release.