The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has taken steps towards relocating Luzira Prison, the country’s largest and oldest prison facility, to Buikwe district. This decision follows a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni in July 2022, aiming to address safety concerns and explore development opportunities in the area currently occupied by the prison.
In a letter dated February 22, 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire informed Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka about the proposed relocation plan. The letter, obtained by New Vision Online, reveals that UPS has identified 3.5 square miles of land in Buikwe for the relocation project, with plans to purchase one square mile for the prison’s new site.
Confirming the initiative, Minister Otafiire highlighted the necessity of removing the prison from the urban center, citing safety risks associated with having a maximum-security facility in such a location. He emphasized the long-standing intention to relocate Luzira Prison to a more suitable area.
According to Otafiire’s correspondence, a consultative meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2024, to discuss the relocation plan. The meeting will involve key stakeholders, including the Attorney General and the Administrator General, to review the proposal and address any concerns or alternative proposals.
The decision to relocate Luzira Prison stems from a proposal presented by the Tian Tang Group to President Museveni. The group suggested transforming the current Luzira Prison site into a modern city suburb and relocating the prison to a new location. Museveni, in his letter dated July 10, 2022, expressed support for the idea and directed Minister Otafiire to initiate negotiations with the Tian Tang Group.
Regarding the land acquisition for the relocation, Otafiire mentioned that the family owning the identified land has agreed to sell one square mile to UPS. Despite challenges related to legal processes for the estate of the late Antonio Lutwama Kabogoza, the family has expressed willingness to proceed with the sale for the prison’s relocation.
As preparations for the relocation progress, the government aims to ensure a smooth transition and address any legal or administrative hurdles. The upcoming meeting on March 6 will serve as a platform for further discussion and decision-making regarding the implementation of the Presidential directive and the relocation of Luzira Prison to Buikwe.
