During an interview in his office on December 21, 2022, Frank Baine, the Commissioner of Prisons and Spokesperson, urged Ugandans to exercise their rights and keep their responsibilities in mind during the festive season.
While addressing journalists, Baine stated that even though there is congestion in prisons, prisons will still have space for criminals during the festive season.
“While we are not inviting anybody to come, we are open to welcoming whoever will be brought to the prison as a criminal,” Baine stated.
According to the Commissioner, prisons is currently holding 74,000 prisoners, being held in 263 prison stations, guarded by 14,000 staff in 19 regions and preparations are being made to make sure that the staff and inmates enjoy this Christmas in a modest manner to cap off the year.
“This year has not been an easy one for the institution due to Ebola disease and Covid-19 pandemic, however, as an institution that is accountable for the inmates welfare and state in our care, for Christmas, prisoners will receive excellent meals,” Baine said.
The prisons’ spokesperson conveyed that the cows that would be given to inmates around the nation at the time of the interview were already put together. They expect that in addition to the prayers, there will be plays, activities, and performances of Christmas carols at the various stations to celebrate the festivities.
However, Baine stated that no needless movements or visits are permitted stating that inmates may still receive food supplies and other items as long as they are not cooked.
“The activity lasts until Friday, when the gates are shut. The prisons are closed on weekends to the general public. The facility is self-sufficient and will be able to perform various festivities in accordance with the diverse faiths of the inmates thanks to the presence of Pastors, Imams, and Priests,” he stated.
Baine stated that the Prisons leadership was also considering bringing outside facilitators but were aware of the Ebola and COVID19 epidemics.
“Like the President said in his Public address on 20th December 2022 Covid-19 and Ebola are still around and therefore people who are not vaccinated may not be welcomed even if they have been allowed to visit the prison. Those who might be allowed must have a clear status regarding vaccination,” he said.
Baine also assured the public that he will be celebrating Christmas as he has for the past 25years; on duty, as is the nature of his job.
He urged the youth to enjoy their rights but also remember to be responsible and protect their lives and the environment. He warned the public not to get very excited, not to be wasteful, keep calm, and not to over speed while driving.
“We are not the only users of the road. Avoid breaking the law because if you break the law then prison will be waiting for you,” he warned.
Regarding the anticipation for 2023, Baine pointed out that in his opinion, there will probably be fewer prisoners. Because of this and the wet season, he believes there will be an increase in productivity, particularly in farming, which will prevent people from being redundant.
