Unconvicted prisoners should not be treated like convicts
Aug 02, 2009
Editor—I am not happy with the way prison authorities, especially in the countryside, treat unconvicted prisoners. Whereas article 28(3(a) of the constitution states that a person charged with a criminal offence is presumed to be innocent until proved g
Editor—I am not happy with the way prison authorities, especially in the countryside, treat unconvicted prisoners. Whereas article 28(3(a) of the constitution states that a person charged with a criminal offence is presumed to be innocent until proved guilty prison authorities in most cases treat those prisoners as convicts!
They subject them to hard labour on rich men’s farms and in some cases those who cannot work at the required pace are heavily beaten or denied food!
That is unlawful. The prisons Act section 45(1) demands unconvicted prisoners to only keep their cells, furniture, clothing and utensils clean. The same section also puts it clear that any employment should be at the prisoner’s request.
The role of the prison service is to ensure prisoners’ safe custody and to produce them as may be required by courts for trial.
Prisons authorities must therefore respect unconvicted prisoners’ rights and allow them to choose whether they want to work or not.
If they choose to work, they should agree to the terms of the contract with the ‘employers’ and also enjoy the benefits of their sweat.
Muhangi Katurubuki
Makerere University
They subject them to hard labour on rich men’s farms and in some cases those who cannot work at the required pace are heavily beaten or denied food!
That is unlawful. The prisons Act section 45(1) demands unconvicted prisoners to only keep their cells, furniture, clothing and utensils clean. The same section also puts it clear that any employment should be at the prisoner’s request.
The role of the prison service is to ensure prisoners’ safe custody and to produce them as may be required by courts for trial.
Prisons authorities must therefore respect unconvicted prisoners’ rights and allow them to choose whether they want to work or not.
If they choose to work, they should agree to the terms of the contract with the ‘employers’ and also enjoy the benefits of their sweat.
Muhangi Katurubuki
Makerere University