08/03/2026
Five Trailblazing Female Prisons Officers honored on the International Women’s Day
During the International Women’s Day celebrations today, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal to five senior Non Commissioned female Officers of the Uganda Prisons Service.
This honor, granted under the National Honours and Awards Act, recognizes their exceptional loyalty and distinguished service to the nation over several decades.
The five officers, who all hold the senior NCO ranks of Chief Wardress I or II, were cited for their professional excellence, leadership, and mentorship within the service.
The Awardees include;
1. Chief Wardress Grade I Jane Mugenyi
Born on April 24, 1975, in Hoima District, Ms. Mugenyi joined the Uganda Prisons Service on September 2, 1994. Throughout her 32-year career, she has evolved from a Recruit Wardress into a highly respected administrative specialist. After her initial training, she served as a clerk at Kigo Main Prison before being transferred in 2000 to provide critical support to the Regional Prisons Commander (Central). Her expertise in data management and office operations later led her to the Division of Statistics and the Internal Audit Division at Prisons Headquarters.
Promoted to her current rank in November 2021, she is celebrated for her professionalism and her role in improving service delivery across the institution.
2. Chief Wardress Grade I Ms. Apolot Evalyn Susan
Ms. Apolot was born on October 17, 1975, in Kumi District and began her journey with the Prisons Service on April 14, 1993. With 33 years of dedicated service, her career is defined by her massive impact on human resource development. She spent 22 years at the Prisons Academy and Training School (PATS), where she was instrumental in training and shaping new officers into professional personnel.
She also served at the Iganga Government Prison starting in 2015. Recognized as a role model and a dedicated instructor, she rose through the ranks to become Chief Wardress I on November 30, 2021.
3. Chief Wardress Grade I Akello Florence
A veteran with 36 years of continuous service, Ms. Akello was born on November 14, 1968, in Soroti District and joined the service in December 1989. For nearly two decades (1990–2009), she was a key member of the Prisons Band, representing the service in ceremonial functions. Her career later transitioned into custodial leadership at prisons in Mutufu, Mbale, and Soroti. She is widely praised for her resilience and her commitment to the welfare and discipline of inmates.
Having risen steadily through the ranks, she reached the level of Chief Wardress I in November 2021, upheld as a beacon of integrity and service excellence.
4. Chief Wardress Grade II Amoit Zippola
Ms. Amoit, born on November 24, 1968, in Tororo District, has rendered 31 years of dedicated service since enlisting on September 2, 1994. Her career has seen her serve in numerous units, including Mbarara Main, Nakasongola, Kigo Main, and her current posting at Lira Women Prison. Known for her competence in "boma" and gate duties, she currently serves as third-in-command, where she oversees station operations and prisoner welfare.
She was promoted to Chief Wardress II in November 2021 and is recognized for her decisive leadership and for fostering a culture of efficiency within the ranks.
5. Chief Wardress Grade I Daphine Mindraa
With a distinguished 36-year career, Ms. Mindraa was born on August 23, 1968, in Adjumani District and joined the service on December 4, 1989. Holding a Certificate in Prisons Management, she served at Luzira Women’s Prison and Adjumani Prison for twenty years before moving to Arua Main Prison in 2017. She is an expert in reception and gate operations, where she has been commended for her meticulous management of prisoner records.
As the "In-Charge of Reception," her sound judgment and mentorship of younger officers have made her a dependable pillar of the Uganda Prisons Service. She attained the rank of Chief Wardress Grade I on December 30, 2021.
Congratulations to all the medalists
