The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has refuted social media allegations suggesting that inmates are being transported to political rallies, calling the claims false, baseless and misleading.
Speaking to the media on Monday, prisons spokesperson Frank Baine clarified that under the Prisons Act, 2006, inmates are legally required to remain in secure and confined environments and are not permitted to participate in political activities.
“By law, inmates must remain in safe, secure, and confined environments,” Baine said. “Inmates are not permitted to participate in political activities, attend rallies, or engage in any external gatherings except under strictly regulated circumstances such as court appearances or medical referrals. These claims should be disregarded.”
The clarification comes after viral videos showing prison officers at presidential rallies sparked public speculation that inmates were being ferried for political purposes. Baine said such interpretations are inaccurate, stressing that the presence of prison officers in public spaces is lawful and often part of coordinated national security operations.
“UPS is a key pillar of the national security framework alongside the UPDF and Police,” he noted. “Our officers are deployed to maintain safety, protect life and property, and support national stability. Their presence at public events reflects their professional training in security management, crisis response, and protection of both prison facilities and the wider community.”
Baine reiterated that the service remains committed to professionalism, neutrality and the secure custody of all inmates.
“These measures ensure that UPS continues to contribute effectively to peace, order and the smooth functioning of national events and public safety operations,” he said.
