The Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs has revealed that the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) is in need of Shs79.973 billion to settle outstanding arrears for prisoners’ feeding accrued by the end of Financial Year 2023/2024. Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, the committee chairperson, presented this information during a session before the Budget Committee on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
According to the committee report, the daily average of 81,729 prisoners is fed at Shs5,000 per prisoner per day, inclusive of food from prison farms. A supplementary budget of Shs79 billion was provided to address arrears, leaving a shortfall of Shs79.943 billion.
Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi raised concerns about the utilization of land given to Uganda Prisons in 2022, particularly the 19,200 acres at Aswa Ranch. He also questioned the reported underutilization of the 45,000 acres at Lugore Prison Farm in Gulu District. Legislators queried the establishment of new prison facilities, emphasizing the need to address congestion issues.
The committee recommended prioritizing Shs18 billion for the construction of a mini-max prison in Mbarara District to alleviate congestion. As of January 2024, the prisoner population stood at 77,316, exceeding the approved capacity of 20,996 by 56,320. The committee attributed congestion to delayed justice and the slow increase in prison holding capacity. Suggestions were made to enhance access to justice by aligning prisons with courts and ensuring timely prisoner production through the procurement of transport machinery.
Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa emphasized the examination of the congestion’s link to delayed justice before establishing new prison facilities. Hon. Ronald Kanyike recommended a funding component for refresher courses for police officers to improve investigations and curb the rising number of individuals arrested and placed in prisons.