Lira, Uganda | Outgoing Mid-Northern Regional Prisons Commander SSP Godfrey Komakech has officially handed over office after serving in Greater Lango for nearly three years, highlighting major achievements in prison decongestion, justice delivery, and strengthening cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service and local leaders.
Komakech handed over to ACP Ronald Kalali during a ceremony held on Thursday at Margaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City attended by senior prison officers, security officials, religious leaders, district leaders, and other stakeholders from across the Lango sub-region.
Speaking during the function, Komakech described his stay in Lango since June 6, 2023, as a rewarding and career-defining assignment that greatly shaped his professional growth.
He said Uganda Prisons Service improved its visibility and relationship with both local and central government institutions during his tenure, while access to justice was strengthened through collaboration with courts and other justice sector players.
Komakech revealed that prison congestion significantly reduced under his leadership, with inmate numbers at Lira Main Prison dropping from 1,100 to 900, while Oyam Prison reduced from 530 inmates to 406.
He attributed the reduction to plea bargain sessions, mediation, regular High Court sittings, bail processes, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that helped clear long-standing case backlogs involving inmates who had spent between six and eight years on remand.
According to Komakech, aggravated defilement, murder, and aggravated robbery remained the most common offences handled during his tenure in the region.
He announced that May 7 marked his final day in Lango as he prepares to assume duties in Gulu Region on May 8, where he will oversee a larger prisoners’ population of about 6,600 inmates compared to Lango’s 3,600.
Komakech noted that Gulu Region hosts major prison farms in Aswa Region, which serve as the food basket of Uganda Prisons Service by supplying food to prisons across the country.
He thanked the people of Lango for supporting and elevating his career, saying the region played a major role in his promotion and professional success.
Incoming Mid-Northern Regional Prisons Commander ACP Ronald Kalali thanked leaders, officers, bishops, district representatives, and guests for warmly welcoming him to the region.
Kalali said he preferred first learning the culture, language, and understanding the people before making many public pronouncements, adding that he is committed to serving the entire Lango sub-region through teamwork and consultation.
Using a Biblical reference from the Book of Mark, Kalali emphasized continuity in leadership, saying he intends to build on the strong foundation laid by SSP Godfrey Komakech rather than disrupt existing achievements.
He noted that he had come to continue building on what had already been established in the region.
Kalali pledged to strengthen service delivery while maintaining humility and close cooperation with leaders, officers, and communities in the region.
Senior Commissioner of Prisons Wilson Francis Magomu, who presided over the official handover and takeover ceremony, said transfers within Uganda Prisons Service are normal administrative procedures aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
Magomu praised Komakech as a humble, hardworking, truthful, and self-made officer who rose through the ranks through discipline and continuous learning.
He commended him for strengthening partnerships, establishing prison units, and improving cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service and stakeholders during his tenure.
Magomu also described incoming RPC ACP Ronald Kalali as an experienced and stable leader who previously served in the Mid-Eastern Region for five years with minimal prison-related incidents.
He revealed that Uganda Prisons Service continues expanding its national economic role following directives from President Yoweri Museveni to support cotton growing, maize seed production, sunflower farming, and national food security projects.
According to Magomu, the government allocated Uganda Prisons about 300,000 acres of land in Aswa Ranch following national maize shortages experienced two to three years ago, leading to the establishment of prison units engaged in large-scale maize production.
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole praised SSP Godfrey Komakech for maintaining strong cooperation between Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and the Office of the President during his tenure.
Egole described Komakech as a trusted consultant and senior colleague who contributed significantly to peace, security coordination, and stability in the Lango sub-region.
Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, Egole said the scripture reflected how Komakech had fought a good fight and fulfilled his assignment with discipline, professionalism, and dedication.
Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese described the ceremony as a reflection of faithfulness, stewardship, and commitment to public service.
Bishop Olwa praised Komakech for his humility, calmness, discipline, and respectful relationship with officers and communities, saying his leadership consistently attracted positive feedback from both prison staff and the public.
He welcomed incoming commander ACP Ronald Kalali and pledged continued cooperation between religious leaders and security agencies in serving communities across the region.