By: Jackline Nabirye
Communications Officer
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU)
Uganda is grappling with a historic high in its convict population, with figures reaching 40,576, according to recent reports. The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) finds itself managing this surge while contending with asset utilization challenges, a topic brought to the fore by Commissioner Elly Tumuryamye, Commissioner of Prisons In-Charge Logistics Management Department during his presentation at the 2nd PFM Conference held at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja.
The Uganda Prisons Service boasts an array of assets including land, farms, industries, workshops, equipment, and machinery. These resources serve multiple purposes, from generating non-tax revenue to providing inmates with education and skills training, as well as sustaining food production within the prisons.
However, concerns about the optimal use of these assets and transparent reporting have emerged. The Prisons Act of 2006 delineates UPS's functions, emphasizing humane custody, rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of prisoners into society.
Asset utilization, a key performance metric, reflects an organization's efficiency in leveraging its assets for maximum value as highlighted by Commissioner Tumuryamye.
“Effective utilization is essential in managing costs and ensuring long-term sustainability. Yet, without proper maintenance and planning, assets can depreciate rapidly, leading to increased expenses and operational disruptions” he emphasised.
Commissioner Elly Tumuramye underscored the importance of regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs and ensure the safety of both personnel and assets. Strategic planning, informed by asset utilization data, can guide decisions regarding asset lifespans and replacements. However, resource constraints often force compromises, with some assets exceeding recommended operational lifespans.
“Training emerges as a critical factor in enhancing asset utilization, particularly in promoting workplace safety and optimizing maintenance processes. UPS invests in staff development to ensure proficient asset operation and maintenance” Commissioner Tumuramye highlighted.
Despite holding capacity for 20,996 inmates against a current population of 75,954, UPS faces underutilization challenges. Land assets, exceeding 100,000 acres, remain largely untapped due to resource limitations.
Bureaucratic hurdles in asset acquisition and disposal, high maintenance costs, and limited resources pose additional obstacles. Some prison lands are owned by cultural institutions and local governments, further complicating utilization efforts.
Nevertheless, UPS remains committed to efficiently utilizing its assets to fulfill its dual mandate of inmate custody and rehabilitation. Despite challenges, significant progress has been made, and a promising future lies ahead for the Uganda Prisons Service.
The Public Finance Management Conference is organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda. It is being held from 19 - 22 March 2024 at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja. The PFM conference aims at raising possible solutions to the challenges of public debt management and fiscal sustainability, among other PFM issues. It is the largest colloquium of PFM enablers and public sector players, attracting over 1,000 professionals, business leaders, executives, academicians and entrepreneurs.
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