UHRC Sounds Alarm Over Masaka Prison Congestion, Torture Claims and Plight of Juveniles

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has raised fresh concerns over conditions within the justice system in Masaka, citing prison congestion, allegations of torture, discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and challenges in protecting children in conflict with the law.

The concerns emerged during a UHRC inspection of Masaka Central Government Prison conducted under the Commission’s Masaka Regional Office. The inspection team is being led by Commissioner Hon. Shifrah Lukwago on behalf of UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, alongside Commissioners Hon. Crispin Kaheru and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, Director of Regional Services Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa and Regional Head Ms. Justin Nambi Kasujja.

During the engagement, Regional Prisons Commander ASP Phelix Mugasa told the Commission that prisoners from Lwengo District are contributing to the congestion at Masaka Prison. Although Lwengo has a prison facility, the district lacks a High Court, forcing inmates facing serious offences, particularly capital charges, to be transferred to Masaka as they await committal.

The Commission was also confronted with allegations of torture by some inmates. Prisoners reportedly claimed that their nails had been pulled out during interrogations while they were in police custody. The allegations are expected to form part of the human rights concerns examined by the Commission as it assesses the treatment of suspects and prisoners in the region.

UHRC Masaka Regional Head Ms. Justin Nambi Kasujja also highlighted concerns over alleged discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in employment. She cited Oil Palm Uganda Limited, alleging that prospective workers are subjected to HIV testing and that those found to be HIV-positive are not offered employment.
Another major concern raised was the absence of a remand home for juveniles in the region. According to Nambi, children in conflict with the law have to be transported to facilities such as Naguru in Kampala or Kampiringisa in Mpigi, despite police facing inadequate facilitation to transport and manage the juveniles.

Nambi further alleged that, in some cases, police officers increase the recorded ages of juveniles so that they can be detained in adult cells when suitable juvenile facilities are unavailable. Such concerns raise serious questions about the ability of the justice system to protect children and ensure they are handled separately from adult offenders.

The Masaka inspection has therefore brought several human rights concerns to the attention of UHRC, including overcrowding, alleged torture, employment discrimination and gaps in juvenile protection. The Commission is expected to engage the relevant authorities and follow up on the issues as part of its wider mandate to monitor and promote human rights across the country.