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Inner Wheel Kampala Central Club have donated buckets, jerrycans, baby blankets, sugar, porridge and soap to incarcerated mothers at Luzira Women Prison.

Gladys Muhumuza, the Inner Wheel Kampala Central Club president, Muhumuza says on top of the donations, Inner Wheel Kampala Central, which comprises 43 members, shall visit the mothers every three months. 

“We have come to see and hear their challenges so that on the next visit, we bring the real items the mothers need without speculating,” she says. 

Muhumuza thanked the wardens for being kind towards the inmates and encouraged the mothers to remain steadfast in their faith in God and forgive those who wronged them. 

Hope Rutebemberwa, the project co-ordinator, implored women to step up and help the vulnerable people, more so fellow women in prison. (All Photos by Ritah Mukasa)

“Your condition is not permanent. Love your babies knowing they will grow into great men and women,” she said. 

Muhumuza also promised to support the expectant mothers with the items needed in labour.

Hope Rutebemberwa, the project co-ordinator, implored women to step up and help the vulnerable people, more so fellow women in prison. 

“That way, we shall make the world a better place for everyone,” Rutebemberwa said. She said prison is not a reserve for particular people. 

“Everyone is prone, a reason we for helping those that go there before us. “Those mothers need clothes, pads, sugar and other necessities which are affordable to many people,” Rutebemberwa said.

Inner Wheel Kampala Central Club members visited the Luzira Women Prison inmates.

Mothers in prison need family support

Rebecca Mutonerwa, who is in charge of the maternity, says mothers are given a chance to communicate with their families, but some are blocked by their own. 

They keep calling in vain until they give up and resign to fate. She implored families to be considerate and love the inmates because love goes a long way in helping them to be well and hopeful. 

They also engage them in productive and rehabilitative activities to address their mental and emotional suffering. 

They are counselled and cared for. Some start school or vocational skills training like hairdressing, tailoring, handicraft making and agriculture. They can also engage in sports or learn soap-making. Most importantly, they are allowed to stay with their children for up to 12 months. 

According to prison regulations, children are not supposed to be in prison but in cases where the mother has no one else to take care of the child, she is allowed to stay with her or him for up to 12 months. 

After, they are taken to the daycare outside the jail premises, but keep in touch with their mothers. At two years, if there is still no one to take care of those children, they are taken on by reputable non-governmental organisations.

About Inner Wheel

The Inner Wheel Club of Manchester was founded in 1924 by Margarette Golding, the first of nearly 4,000 Inner Wheel Clubs today. By 2022, Inner Wheel has grown to more than 120,000 members in 100 countries.

The Club is is one of the largest women’s voluntary organisations globally.

It aims to promote true friendship, personal service and international understanding. 

In Uganda, there are six clubs in Kampala, Mukono and Masaka districts. Membership is open to all females above 18 years who have a passion for serving humanity.