Uganda Prisons Service declares standby class one and suspends visits ahead of festive season and 2026 elections

Commissioner General of Prisons Johnson Byabashaija declared standby class one for all Uganda Prisons Service staff from 15 December 2025 to 15 February 2026, according to a press release from the service spokesperson. The measures include suspending hired prisoner labour, restricting leave and access to prisons, and suspending prisoner visits on dates around Christmas, New Year and the eve of the 15 January 2026 polls.