Articles & News

August 24, 2008

Uganda's Byabashaija blames prison congestion on courts

By Emmanuel Kajubu, http://www.newvision.co.ug

THE Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has blamed the congestion of inmates in prisons on the courts.

He said the courts take long to handle cases of inmates who have exceeded the mandatory 365 days on remand. �We should not be blamed for the congestion. There should be expeditious trial by the courts of law.�

Byabashaija was on Tuesday speaking during a tour of Bubukwanga and Katojo prisons in Bundibugyo and Kabarole districts, respectively.

He was informed by the officer-in-charge of Bubukwanga Prison, Celestine Tumwesigye, that they spend a lot of money on water because of the large number of inmates. �Every month the prison pays between sh3m and sh4m on water bills. The number of inmates is very high.�

Tumwesigye said the prison, with a capacity of 350, currently has over 800 inmates, the majority of whom are on remand.

In his memorandum to the prisons chief, Tumwesigye also requested for construction of more buildings to accommodate the inmates.

But Byabashaija said: �That is out. The courts should speed up trials.�

He was accompanied by the western regional prisons commander, Allan Okello, acting commissioner support services Augustine Obura and the acting commissioner enterprises, Andrew Kisitu.

Byabashaija said Bubukwanga and Katojo prisons will be renovated and inmates provided with blankets.

He also urged prison warders to respect the rights of inmates.

This article can be found on-line at: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/645893