Serving two masters: How prisoners balance sentences with financing family

When Farouk Ssali, 40, was jailed, he could not hold back the tears because all he expected in jail was misery. Little did he know that he would find a job behind bars. “The last thing I expected to find in jail was a skill, but my sentence has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I am now an outstanding weaver,” Ssali, who has served 12 years of his 40-year prison sentence, said.

Farouk Ssali and Dennis Kasigire (forefront) take part in a weaving session at Kirinya Main Prison in Jinja city. (Credit: Petride Mudoola)