Lugoro Prison authorities deny overworking inmates

Authorities in Lugoro Government Prison in Gulu district have refuted claims that they are overworking inmates. 

Alex Oluka Mukkola, the OC of Lugoro Prison Farm in Kiteny Parish, Palaro Sub County Gulu district said the prisoners work for only six hours which is the recommended standard work time for inmates. 

He says the prison had acquired three new tractors, 120 ox plough, seed planting machines among others leaving inmates with only the work of weeding and harvesting of gardens.

Oluka said last year they engaged inmates in planting of seeds because the rain returned late.

He noted that their biggest challenge is lack of transport which makes them spend a lot of time trekking long distances to and from the farm.

The chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission lashed out at prison authorities during a recent visit to Gulu for overworking inmates.

He said overworking of the inmates is inhuman and a form of torture.