Deputy OC Mbale Main Prison Resigns from Uganda Prisons Service Ahead of 2026 Elections

Mbale, Uganda
The Deputy Officer in Charge (OC) of Mbale Main Prison, SP Nicholas Bushaija (F/N P/B/322), has officially resigned from the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), according to an internal prisons message seen today.
A restricted prisons communication dated 7th January 2026 confirms that SP Bushaija tendered his resignation in the early hours of the morning at about 4:00am, handing his resignation letter to the station clerk before leaving the prison barracks.

The message, originating from Uganda Government Prisons – Mbale Main Prison, was addressed to senior command, including the Commissioner General of Prisons and regional authorities. It indicates that immediately after resigning, the officer vacated the barracks and has since switched off all his known mobile phone contacts, making him unreachable as of the time of reporting.
Prisons authorities note that more details are expected to follow, suggesting that the matter is still under internal review.
The resignation comes just days ahead of the 15th January 2026 General Elections, a period during which security and public service neutrality is under heightened scrutiny. While no official reason has been publicly stated for his resignation, the timing has sparked public interest and speculation.
Uganda Prisons Service has not yet issued a formal public statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the resignation or whether SP Bushaija intends to engage in political activity, which would require prior resignation under electoral laws governing public officers.
This publication will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
By, Our Reporter