The former leader of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change party, Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye, has praised Luzira government prison conditions and the professionalism of the institution.
He made the remarks while interfacing with the parliamentary committee on human rights and officials from the Uganda Human Rights Commission on Friday, March 28th, 2025, who had visited Luzira Prison.
The visit stemmed from the Parliamentary directive last week, and it aimed at ascertaining the condition under which inmates are living and being treated.
Dr. Besigye, who is currently detained at Luzira Prison, told the committee that he feels “safer” in the maximum-security prison compared to other detention facilities he has experienced.
He commended the prison authorities for upholding inmates’ rights and maintaining a professional environment.
“There has been a remarkable improvement between 2016 and the present day,” Dr. Besigye stated.
According to the committee’s report, Besigye specifically noted the installation of running water and waterborne toilets, the elimination of the bucket system, and the fresh coat of paint applied to the prison walls.
Furthermore, Dr. Besigye acknowledged the regular visits from prison doctors and the allowance to consult his personal physician when needed.
According to the committee, what they discovered highlights a stark contrast to previous reports, particularly regarding sanitation and general maintenance.
He also confirmed that he and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, have access to adequate food provided by three authorized suppliers, allowing them to prepare their own meals for security reasons.
“Systems have been computerized, and the facility is better maintained than it used to be,” Dr. Besigye added, highlighting the overall modernization of the prison.
It was noted, however, that while the Uganda Prisons Service provides three meals a day to other inmates, Dr. Besigye has declined to consume the prison-provided food, citing concerns about potential poisoning.
The committee’s report highlights the positive changes implemented at Luzira, painting a picture of a facility striving to improve its standards.
The visit, mandated by parliament, sought to assess the living conditions and treatment of prisoners, with Dr. Besigye’s testimony providing crucial insights into the evolving state of the prison.
