The Ugandan government is requesting a budget of Sh103 billion for the construction of new prisons in response to the escalating issue of overcrowded prison cells. This revelation was made during the 28th Joint Government of Uganda Development Partners Access to Justice Sub-program Annual Review held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in December.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Robert Kasande, highlighted the pressing challenge of prison congestion within the criminal justice system.
According to Kasande, while the national population growth rate stands at 3% per annum, the prisoners’ population growth rate is at an alarming 8% per annum. Simultaneously, the prisons’ holding capacity is growing at a rate of 3.8% per annum. This disconcerting trend has led to statistical projections indicating a prison population of 153,145 by 2031/2032, with a holding capacity of only 29,371, resulting in a staggering congestion rate of 521.4%.
To address this impending crisis, Kasande proposed the phased construction of regional mini-maximum security prisons, each with a capacity of 4,000 prisoners. The estimated cost for this construction is approximately Sh102.9 billion. Kasande emphasized the potential cost savings in healthcare and improved well-being, as well as the facilitation of more effective rehabilitation programs and enhanced human rights observance for those in detention.
Frank Baine, the spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service, revealed that the current prison infrastructure comprises 266 prisons accommodating 76,432 detainees, exceeding the holding capacity of 21,000 prisoners. Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, stressed the importance of implementing the 48-hour rule for arrested suspects and suggested additional measures like plea bargaining and community service to alleviate congestion.
Mao also highlighted the necessity of respecting court rulings promptly to prevent delays that contribute to prison overcrowding. A recent Rule of Law report disclosed that 148,755 criminal cases were registered in FY2022/2023, with 66,476 cases remaining unresolved. The report emphasized the importance of timely case disposal to reduce backlogs.
The call for new prisons also comes with an urgent need for more prison wardens, as highlighted by PS Kasande. The lack of adequate supervision for a substantial number of inmates contributes to disorganization within the prison system. Kasande urged support for the Uganda Prison Services to maintain order and reduce congestion.
The sub-program’s annual review showcased strategic investments in the construction of justice centers, resulting in an increase in the number of districts with comprehensive one-stop frontline Justice, Law, and Order Sector (JLOS) points. Despite the decrease in pre-trial detainees from 50% to 48%, the crime rate has seen an increase from 458% in FY2021/22 to 524 in FY2022/23 per 100,000 population. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has exceeded its target for community service orders, supervising 14,595 orders.
