Festive Season: Number of Inmates grows by 36% to 77,592

The Uganda Prisons Service has revealed a significant rise in the inmate population, with a total of 77,592 individuals currently on remand. The figures, disclosed by Frank Baine, the Uganda Prisons spokesperson, indicate an increase from the lower 76,000 reported in December, suggesting a surge in incarcerations during the Christmas period.

“Of the total prisoners, 39,602 are convicts, 37,555 are on remand, and 435 are debtors. The prison staff stands at 14,297,” said Baine.

Baine noted that the congestion levels have surged to 36.6%, a stark increase from the previous year’s rate of 34%. He further stated, “That’s almost four people staying in a place, which could be for one person.”

While addressing the media on Monday, Baine acknowledged the challenges faced by the prison system, citing prolonged detention periods and overcrowding. Minor offenses, which are supposed to warrant a two-month stay, saw inmates overstaying by an average of 2.9 months.

Baine, on the positive note, said, “For capital offenders it actually reduced from two years to one and a half years which was at least a good one for that time.”

“For last year our average daily attendance of court stood at 1 ,602. The warder to prisoner ratio remained at 1 .7 against the world ratio of 1 .3. So, we are still doing very bad. The reoffending still remained at 14%.”

He further states, “Out of 100 convicted prisoners who went through our rehabilitation process, only 14 were managed to come back having committed offences upon their release. 86 didn’t come back, which is a very good position.”

Baine also highlighted the commendable success of rehabilitation programs, stating that around 35,000 inmates benefited from these initiatives throughout the previous year.

He expressed his gratitude to the prison officers for ensuring the festive season passed without any major incidents, except for escapes and subsequent recaptures of five individuals.

The spokesperson also announced the end of the standby-class-1-period, which had imposed restrictions on visitation and access to prisoners. Starting from the current date, normal prison operations, including visitations, have resumed.

“Let’s go back and do our normal business. Those who are not visited, it’s time for you to visit. Those who want their people in court as first, please don’t hesitate. Come in and help your people access justice,” urged Baine.