Speaker concerned with high population in prisons

The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Anitah Annet Among has decried the high population in prisons across Uganda noting that the issue is alarming and needs urgent attention.

She added that the increased number of prisoners has exerted a lot of pressure on prisons infrastructure and called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to prioritize funding to Uganda Prisons Services during the consideration of the national budget.

“I had a lengthy chat with the Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, and he said that out of every 100,000 Ugandans, at least 168 persons end up in prisons. And all their prisons are full. They have no more space for prisoners!,” she said.

She said that Parliament should pay special attention as it goes through the budget process.

“We should be able to think about the infrastructure in prisons, not only Luzira, but all over the country. Of course we shall continue having people who break the law, but let us see how we support Uganda Prisons and see that their infrastructure is improved,” explained the Speaker.

She said that due to the situation at hand, the discussion on prisons infrastructure is more than relevant.

Yesterday Byabashaija told the press that Uganda has the highest incarceration rate in the region.

“In Uganda, for every 100,000 Ugandans, 168 are in prison. Kenya stands at 107, Burundi 83, South Sudan 58 and Tanzania has the lowest at 50” noted Byabashaija.