Related Articles
A Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) inspection of two government prisons in Mbarara has uncovered more than 40 refugee inmates facing defilement charges, with some claiming that they were falsely accused under circumstances linked to attempts to secure asylum for children abroad.
The Commission’s team, accompanied by officials from its Mbarara Regional Office, inspected Mbarara Main Government Prison and Mbarara Women’s Government Prison on Tuesday as part of its continuing regional stakeholder engagements. The exercise gave the Commissioners an opportunity to interact directly with inmates and hear concerns about their treatment and ongoing court cases.
The refugee inmates told the Commission that some parents of girls had allegedly accused them of defilement in an attempt to obtain asylum opportunities for their children in other countries. They asked the UHRC to examine their complaints and the circumstances under which they were arrested and charged.
Commissioner Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta, who led the team on behalf of UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, asked prison authorities whether there was a human rights committee representing both inmates and prison management. He emphasised that people do not lose their human rights simply because they are serving time in prison.
Apitta said the Commission would assess issues affecting the welfare of inmates, including food, rest and clothing, and would also inspect the prison kitchen. He reminded the inmates that criminal allegations must be handled through the law and that courts have the responsibility to determine cases brought before them.
The Mbarara inspection followed a visit to Ndorwa Central Government Prison, where the Commission found inmates engaged in knitting sweaters to protect themselves from the cold. About 1,700 sweaters had reportedly been completed and were awaiting commissioning, although their adoption as part of the official prison uniform depends on changes to existing regulations.
According to the Commission, the Ndorwa initiative is not only addressing the challenge of cold weather but is also helping inmates acquire practical skills. During the Mbarara engagement, Commissioners Hon. Col. Steven Basaliza and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga shared a meal of posho and beans with inmates before joining them in an ekitagururo dance.
The regional inspection was supported by Commissioners Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, Hon. Steven Basaliza and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru. Director of Regional Services Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa said the engagements enable UHRC to interact directly with institutions and communities, identify human rights concerns and work with Justice, Law and Order Sector stakeholders to address them.
