By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has raised concern over severe overcrowding at Moroto Government Prison, which currently houses 587 inmates against its official capacity of just 180.
The concern emerged during an inspection visit led by UHRC Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, alongside Commission Secretary Mr. Kamadi Byonabye and other Commissioners, aimed at assessing the living conditions of inmates and the working environment of prison officers.
During a briefing, the Officer in Charge of Moroto Government Prison, SP Ronald Hakiza, highlighted several challenges affecting the facility, including poor staff accommodation, which he said requires urgent renovation.
He also expressed concern over the deployment of prison officers to stations far away from their homes, noting that officers receive no special transport allowance when travelling home for annual leave. This, he explained, forces some staff to spend their entire salaries on transport.
The Commission subsequently visited the prison wards, where members interacted with inmates and received complaints about prolonged pre-trial detention, the detention of juveniles alongside adults, and inmates awaiting trial before the Court Martial.
Among the cases brought to the Commission’s attention was that of 19-year-old Elvis Longko, who was arrested at the age of 16 and has remained on remand to date, despite reports that the actual culprit confessed and pleaded guilty.
The concerns have raised questions about delays in the administration of justice, the protection of juveniles in detention and the general conditions under which inmates are held.
Despite the challenges, Hon. Wangadya commended SP Hakiza and his team for maintaining a clean prison environment and ensuring the health of inmates.
She assured prisoners that the Commission would engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised during the visit. She also encouraged inmates to reform and avoid reoffending after completing their sentences.
The inspection was conducted alongside representatives from the Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other regional human rights stakeholders.
The visit forms part of UHRC’s routine oversight activities aimed at monitoring human rights standards in detention facilities across the country, coordinated through its Directorate of Regional Services. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
