By Barbara Nansiimbi
While on their routine prison inspection of Moroto Government Prison, the Uganda Human Rights Commission has learned that a facility designed to accommodate only 180 people is today crammed with 587 inmates.
Leading the inspection was UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, in the company of Commission Secretary Kamadi Byonabye and Commissioners Hon.Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga and Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Steven Basaliza.
They had travelled to Moroto to look closely at two sides of prison life: how inmates are living, and how officers are coping at work.
The visit flows from the Commission’s constitutional duty under Articles 51 to 58 to champion human rights and to inspect every place where people are held in detention.
The UHRC team did not carry out the exercise alone. They were joined by Deputy CID Moroto, Detective ASP Julius Wamaongu; Regional Legal and Human Rights Officer for Mount Kidepo Region, ASP Okello Vincent; Chief State Attorney, ODPP Karamoja Subregion, Obale Innocent; and OC Station Moroto CPS, ASP Olila Alfred.
The exercise is part of the Commission’s regular oversight visits across regional and field offices, coordinated by the Directorate of Regional Services under Director Sarah Nakhumitsa.
Also present were Moroto Regional Human Rights Officer Paul Piramoe, Heads of Kotido and Nakapiripirit Regional Offices, and other staff.
The Commission left Moroto with facts in hand — and a promise to follow up until the challenges are addressed.
