Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has revealed that 303 children are currently living with their mothers in prisons across the country, a reflection of the social and welfare challenges facing the correctional system.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, UPS spokesperson Frank Baine said the Service is currently accommodating a total of 78,959 inmates.
“We have 42,193 convicts. We also have 36,134 remands together with 632 debtors, making a total of 78,959 prisoners. The children living with their mothers in prison are 303,” Baine explained.
“These prisoners are kept in 269 prisons, grouped in 19 regions, and managed by 14,925 staff.”
He said despite the congestion, the Service continues to prioritize the welfare of inmates and the children who live with their mothers behind bars, ensuring access to basic healthcare and nutrition.
Baine also reported that the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams had been successfully concluded for inmates, adding that 70 prisoners, 66 males and four females had begun sitting for their UACE exams on Monday morning.
“We thank all those who helped their relatives sit the exams successfully and wish the candidates sitting UACE success in their exams,” Baine said.
During the briefing, he relayed a directive from the Commissioner General of Prisons, calling for strict discipline and professionalism among all prison officers during the ongoing election campaign season.
“As MPs, local leaders, and special groups join campaigns, rigorous discipline must be maintained. Any prison officer who acts contrary to the Service’s discipline requirements will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
Baine further cautioned the public against fraudsters posing as recruitment agents for the Prisons Service, revealing that several people had been duped into paying money for non-existent recruitment opportunities.
“We are not in any process of recruitment as of now. Government jobs are not for paying for. When you pay, please keep it to yourself because you have been conned. Desist from being deceived by people claiming recruitment is ongoing,” Baine emphasized.
The Uganda Prisons Service has appealed for continued government and stakeholder support to improve rehabilitation and welfare programs — especially for children growing up in confinement with their mothers.
