TAKEAWAYS

• Uganda’s prisons are classified into maximum, high, and low-security categories.
• Maximum-security facilities such as Luzira and Kitalya house the country’s most dangerous offenders under 24-hour surveillance.
• Low-security prisons accommodate inmates convicted of less serious offences and are found in many parts of Uganda.

The spokesperson of the Uganda Prisons Service, Frank Baine, has provided insight into the different categories of prisons operating across Uganda and the types of inmates housed in each facility.

Speaking during an appearance on a local television station, Baine explained that Uganda’s prison system is structured according to security levels, with facilities designed to accommodate inmates based on the nature of their crimes and the level of risk they pose.

According to Baine, the highest category is the maximum-security prison. These facilities include Luzira Maximum Security Prison and Kitalya Prison, where some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile offenders are detained.

“Maximum-security prisons are reserved for high-calibre criminals and inmates who require the highest level of surveillance and control like the Jamil Mukulu’s,” Baine explained.

He noted that such facilities operate under round-the-clock security and monitoring. Baine also revealed that the Uganda Prisons Service plans to establish additional maximum-security facilities in regions such as Mbarara, Jinja, and Arua to strengthen prison management and security across the country.

The second category is high-security prisons, which are located in areas including Mbarara, Kabale, and Jinja. These facilities mainly house inmates serving sentences of up to 15 years but who are considered dangerous and require tighter supervision than ordinary prisoners.

“High-security prisons accommodate offenders who may not have very long sentences but still pose significant security concerns,” he said.

Baine further explained that Uganda also operates low-security prisons, which are more widespread and can be found in places such as Kasangati and Sentema. These facilities generally house offenders convicted of minor crimes, including theft, phone snatching, and other non-violent offences.

He said the categorisation helps prison authorities manage inmates effectively while ensuring security, rehabilitation, and proper allocation of resources within the country’s correctional system.