The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has announced that the country’s prison population has reached 78,959 inmates, underscoring the rising congestion in correctional facilities across the country.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, UPS spokesperson Frank Baine said the current figure includes 42,193 convicts, 36,134 remand prisoners, and 632 debtors.
“We have 42,193 convicts. We also have 36,134 remands together with 632 debtors, making a total of 78,959 prisoners,” said Baine.
He added that 303 children are currently living with their mothers in prison facilities, which are spread across 269 prisons grouped under 19 regional commands and managed by 14,925 staff.
Despite the congestion, Baine said the Service continues to prioritize inmate welfare, including education, health, and rehabilitation programs.
He revealed that the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams had been successfully concluded for prisoners, while 70 inmates — 66 males and four females — had on Monday started sitting for the UACE examinations.
“We thank all those who helped their relatives sit the exams successfully, and we wish the candidates who have started UACE exams success,” Baine said.
During the briefing, Baine conveyed a directive from the Commissioner General of Prisons reminding officers to maintain strict discipline and professionalism during the ongoing political campaign season.
“Discipline, rigorous discipline, must be maintained, and duties must be executed professionally as usual. Any officer who acts contrary to the Service’s discipline requirements will be dealt with accordingly,” he emphasized.
Baine also warned the public against conmen posing as prison recruitment agents, saying there is no ongoing recruitment exercise within the Service.
“We are not in any process of recruitment as of now. Government jobs are not for paying for. Please don’t be deceived into giving money to anyone claiming to recruit for Uganda Prisons,” he cautioned.
The Uganda Prisons Service continues to appeal for support to improve welfare and rehabilitation services amid the growing inmate population across the country.