Government starts construction of new prison to decongest Luzira

Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija

WAKISO.

Government has commenced construction of Kitayla Mini Maximum Prison in Kitalya, Wakiso District to decongest Luzira Maximum Security Prison. According to the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija, the Shs18.3b new facility is to upgrade Uganda Prison Services, a home for Africa’s best inmate rehabilitation institution to one of the four best rehabilitation centres worldwide.

“As Uganda population increases, there is no doubt that crime is to increase. We need this facility to reduce crowding in Luzira prison. The prison now accommodates five inmates in a space meant for one. Luzira prison is the best in Africa in terms of rehabilitating inmates despite the scarce resources. With the new modern training facility, the prison will be striving to be the best in the world. Very few of the inmates that we rehabilitate revert to crime,” he said.

Speaking during the ground-breaking for construction of a new maximum security prison at Uganda Government Prison Farm Kitalya, Wakiso District over the weekend, Dr Byabashaija urged Ambitious Construction Company Limited contracted to build the prison to work with due diligence.

“Do not be tempted or confused by any prison officer to eat any coin of this project,” Dr Byabashaija warned, adding: “We hope the contractor will give us good work. Should you misuse these funds for construction, you will vomit it and be locked up. The good thing is that you will be locked in a prison which I am in-charge.”

The ground-breaking comes a few days after Forum for Democratic Change former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, on remand at Luzira Prison facing treason charges at Nakawa prison Court told Opposition legislators who visited to fight for better services for inmates.

Acting Regional Prisons Commander Kayongo Fred said a new prison was overdue. “We have encountered congestion at Kitalya Prison. The Mini Maximum Security Prison was hatched four years ago and has been overdue,”
Dr Byabashaija further explained that the prison is expected to be completed in two years.