Gilbert Niwamanya

Gilbert Niwamanya

Prison Staff

Luzira Maximum Security Prison, Uganda

Gilbert, aged 36, is the Welfare and Rehabilitation Officer at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, Kampala, where he’s worked for the past 5 years.

I first became aware of Justice Defenders in 2012. The training they provide helps the inmates understand the law and where they came into conflict with it. Now, they understand and they won’t conflict with it again. I haven’t seen any prisoners who have been supported by them who have returned to prison.

I joined Uganda Prisons Services because I wanted to help the needy, especially those who were not only vulnerable but had lost their liberty. I get to the office between 07:30 - 08:00am and work until 5:30 - 6:00pm. Typically, I sit in my office but there is no typical day. I divide my work between welfare and education. The welfare work is on-going due to its nature as inmates come to my office when they need my help or guidance.

The best thing about my job is rehabilitating inmates. This, later on, leads to a decline in re-offending. Nothing feels greater than seeing someone come into prison wild and go out rehabilitated.