Uganda Prisons Commissioner General Johnson Byabashaija has assured Parliament that inmates, including prominent figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago, receive specialized medical care, even allowing access to personal doctors and preferred facilities when necessary.
Responding to concerns from Members of Parliament regarding the health of high-profile remand prisoners, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, stated that the service prioritizes inmate well-being.
Appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Byabashaija addressed queries raised by MPs like Hon. Shamim Malende, who questioned access to adequate medical services for prisoners, particularly those on pre-existing medication.
He confirmed that individuals awaiting trial can indeed consult their personal physicians and even be taken to facilities of their choice for specialized treatment if the prison service cannot provide it.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu also raised the case of Erias Lukwago, highlighting the discrepancy between medical reports from Mulago National Referral Hospital and the care potentially being provided.
Byabashaija reiterated the flexibility of the prison service, stating that if an inmate’s condition cannot be managed internally, doctors determine the referral to facilities like Mulago.
Beyond individual care, Byabashaija highlighted the pervasive issue of prison congestion, largely attributed to delays in the criminal justice system, with some inmates languishing for up to 12 years before their cases are heard.
He stressed the need for quicker judicial processes and suggested increased use of non-custodial sentences for minor offenses.
Furthermore, the Commissioner General touched upon mental health care within prisons, noting the establishment of a special ward and collaboration with Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital. Plans are also underway to construct a dedicated mental health facility for prisoners.
