UHRC report reveals rampant human rights violations in northern Uganda prisons

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of human rights violations in prison facilities across Lamwo, Kitgum, and the surrounding districts.

This was revealed on Wednesday during a one-day training organised for prison officers from Kitgum, Lamwo, and Latuturu prisons, aimed at strengthening adherence to human rights standards in detention facilities.

Fiona Opoka, the UHRC Regional Officer based in Gulu, said that recent monitoring visits by the Commission exposed a range of violations affecting inmates, including prolonged detention without trial, overcrowding, and the lack of language interpreters for refugees and non-local inmates, which limits their access to justice.

“The commission has observed that many inmates remain in detention for long periods without trial, which contravenes their constitutional right to a fair and speedy hearing,” Opoka said.

She added that overcrowding in the prisons has worsened living conditions, leading to poor hygiene and health challenges.

Opoka further emphasised the importance of ongoing human rights training for prison officers to ensure that inmates are treated with dignity and that their basic rights are respected.

She revealed that the Commission plans to write to the Government of Uganda to present their findings and recommend urgent actions to address the human rights violations uncovered during their monitoring visits.

Meanwhile, the Regional Staff Officer for Northern Region, SP Patrick Busuulwa, acknowledged the issue of congestion as a major challenge facing most prison facilities in the region.

He explained that many of the prisons were constructed decades ago to accommodate small numbers of inmates, yet the population has grown far beyond capacity.

“For example, Kitgum Prison was originally built to house only 100 inmates, but it currently holds more than 600,” Busuulwa revealed. “This puts pressure on facilities, sanitation, and the overall management of inmates.”

He appealed to the judiciary to expedite court proceedings to reduce the backlog of cases contributing to congestion in prisons.

He also noted that the prison department has introduced community service sentences for minor offenders as one of the measures to decongest facilities and promote rehabilitation over incarceration.

The UHRC training forms part of a broader national effort to improve human rights observance in Uganda’s correctional system and ensure that the country meets international standards in the treatment and welfare of inmates.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 51 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Its main mandate is to protect and promote human rights throughout the country.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

Monitoring and investigating human rights violations; UHRC investigates complaints of human rights abuses by individuals, institutions, or government agencies, and ensures redress for victims.

Advising the government on human rights matters, the Commission provides recommendations to the government on policies, laws, and practices affecting human rights and suggests reforms where necessary.

Also, human rights education and awareness; UHRC conducts training, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens, security forces, and government officials about human rights and responsibilities.

Visiting detention centres: The Commission routinely inspects prisons, police cells, and other detention facilities to ensure that the rights of detainees are respected.

Reporting to Parliament: The UHRC submits annual reports to Parliament detailing the state of human rights in the country and the steps taken to address violations.

Mediation and settlement: It may mediate between conflicting parties in human rights disputes to reach amicable settlements before pursuing legal action.

Promoting equality and non-discrimination: The Commission advocates for equal treatment of all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or status.