By Guest Writer
A prison built for 180 inmates is now holding 587.
These are some of the findings of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) when its leadership inspected Moroto Government Prison on Monday.
The Delegation Arrives
The visit was led by the Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, together with the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, and Members of the Commission — Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Steven Basaliza.
Their mission was clear: to assess the living conditions of inmates and the working conditions of prison officers.
It is a core part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate under the Constitution of the republic of Uganda to promote and protect human rights, and to visit and inspect all places of detention.
The delegation was briefed by the Officer in Charge of Moroto Government Prison, SP Ronald Hakiza.
He did not mince words. Like in many prisons, overcrowding remains a challenge facing the facility.
Although the prison has a capacity of 180 inmates, it currently holds 587, far exceeding its intended capacity.
Inside the wards, the Commission saw for itself what those numbers mean: crowded sleeping spaces, stretched facilities, and a system under immense strain.
But overcrowding was not the only problem.
Voices From The Wards
The Commission visited the prison wards and interacted directly with inmates.
Three major concerns emerged:
1. High number on remand: Many inmates are on remand, waiting for their cases to be heard.
2. Juveniles detained with adults: Juveniles are being held alongside adults, putting young lives at risk.
3. Waiting for Court Martial: Several inmates are awaiting trial before the Court Martial.
One case stood out and moved the entire delegation.
Longko Elvis, 19, was arrested at the age of 16 and has remained on remand to date — even though the actual culprit reportedly confessed and pleaded guilty.
A boy arrested as a child, still waiting for justice as an adult.
Chairperson Responds
The Chairperson commended the Officer in Charge and his team for maintaining a clean prison environment and ensuring that inmates remain healthy, despite the overcrowding.
She informed the inmates that the commission would soon meet with the relevant stakeholders to raise and discuss the concerns they had presented.
She also urged the inmates to reform and resolve never to reoffend or be convicted again after serving their sentences.
Stronger Together
The Commission conducted the visit alongside other stakeholders, including the Deputy CID Moroto, Detective ASP Julius Wamaongu; the Regional Legal and Human Rights Officer for Mount Kidepo Region, ASP Okello Vincent; the Chief State Attorney, ODPP, Karamoja Subregion, Mr. Obale Innocent; and the OC Station Moroto CPS, ASP Olila Alfred.
The prison visit forms part of the Commission’s routine oversight activities across its regional and field offices, coordinated through the Directorate of Regional Services, headed by Director Sarah Nakhumitsa.
The delegation was accompanied by the Regional Human Rights Officer for Moroto Regional Office, Mr. Paul Piramoe, the Heads of the Kotido and Nakapiripirit Regional Offices, and other staff members.
What Next?
Moroto Prison holding triple its capacity is not just a statistic. It is a call to action.
The UHRC has now documented the facts. What follows is engagement with stakeholders, follow-up, and accountability — to ensure that overcrowding, delayed justice, and poor working conditions are addressed.
Because in Uganda, no one — not even behind bars — should be forgotten.
