By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has raised concerns over harsh living and working conditions at Nakapiripirit Government Prison following an oversight visit aimed at assessing the welfare of inmates and prison officers in the Karamoja Sub region.
During the visit, the Commission established that both inmates and prison officers are facing significant challenges, including inadequate accommodation, poor sanitation, insufficient food supplies and limited access to basic facilities.
The Commission observed that prison officers sleep in grass-thatched houses, while inmates are accommodated in metallic uniports that become extremely hot at night, exposing them to uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
The situation is further compounded by the lack of electricity at the facility, leaving inmates in darkness at night and dependent on natural light during the day. The Commission also noted that inmates use a bucket system for waste disposal in the wards at night, raising concerns about sanitation and hygiene.
The prison’s location in a flood-prone area presents another major challenge. The Commission established that floods frequently sweep away pit latrines, worsening sanitation conditions and exposing inmates and prison staff to potential health risks.
Food shortages also emerged as a major concern, with both inmates and prison officers reporting that the available food rations are inadequate and insufficient to meet their needs.
Prison officers, in particular, appealed for improved remuneration, saying their salaries are too low to cater for their basic needs. They explained that transport costs incurred when travelling home often consume their entire monthly earnings, leaving them with little or nothing to meet other essential expenses.
The Commission also expressed concern over the situation of women serving prison sentences while living with their babies at the facility. The Chairperson described the arrangement as degrading for the children and called upon their fathers, particularly those whose children are aged two years and above, to take responsibility for raising them from home.
Beyond the challenges of accommodation, food and sanitation, inmates also raised concerns about the lack of recreational activities, saying the absence of sports and other leisure activities has left them bored.
In response to their appeal, UHRC Commissioner Hon. Shifrah Lukwago donated balls to the inmates to enable them to participate in sports and other recreational activities.
The visit forms part of the Commission’s ongoing oversight activities in the Karamoja Sub region, including visits to its regional and field offices. The exercise is intended to engage staff and stakeholders, assess human rights concerns and strengthen the Commission’s efforts towards the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Commission Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga; the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye; the Director of Regional Services, Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa; and the Head of the Moroto Regional Office, Mr. Paul Piramoe, who translated for the inmates, alongside other Commission staff. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
