UHRC inspects three prisons to assess prisoners' conditions, rights

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The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has concluded a routine inspection of three prisons in central and western Uganda to assess the conditions of inmates and how prisons officials protect their rights.

The team led by commissioner Shifrah Lukwago, who represented UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya, visited Masaka Central Government Prison, Ndorwa prison and Mbarara prison.

Lukwago told New Vision online on October 15 that; " the visits are part of UHRC's constitutional mandate under Article 52 of the 1995 Constitution to inspect places of detention."

During the visits that took place between September 20 -26, Lukwago was accompanied by fellow Commissioners; Crispin Kaheru and Simeo Nsubuga, as well as the UHRC Director of Regional Services, Sarah Nakhumitsa, and other regional staff.

Following their visits, Lukwago said they would compile a report about their findings and give recommendations on areas that the prisons service needs to improve.

"But generally, we found the hygiene in all the prisons visited and that of prisoners very good, apart from congestion," she said.

For instance, the Commissioners noted with concern that the Greater Masaka sub-region has no regional remand home for juveniles, saying juvenile offenders were being transported to Naguru in Kampala and Kampiringisa in Mpigi. 

They, therefore, called for construction of a regional juvenile detention centre in Masaka to relieve Naguru and Kampiringisa remand homes of overcrowding.

Lukwago said UHRC is committed to work with all stakeholders to protect the dignity of persons deprived of liberty and ensure timely access to justice.