DOC/OS0xXXIII)/324c/II
Workshops also existed in Murchison Bay prison (blacksmith, handicrafts, carpentry). More
existed in the past, but had closed down. Many prisons had workshops that were not
equipped, or did not function for various reasons (Mbale had tailoring and shoe making
workshops which didn't work, and only nine prisoners benefited from the carpentry workshop
and training; Masindi).
Education
Provisions for education are very limited throughout the country, despite the very low
education level of the majority of prison population. There is a school in Luzira upper prison,
with 502 prisoners attending the different grades and another school in the condemned
section. Prisoners complained that access to higher education was lacking. No school or
educational porgrammes existed at Masindi, despite the fact that it was quoted as a model
prison. Attendance was low at Murchison Bay school, due to short terms of imprisonment.
Prisoners in Masindi complained about the "lack of facility to keep the brain bright" and asked
for a library.
Efforts in this direction could contribute to prisoners' rehabilitation upon release.
Exercise/Cultural activities
Prisoners complained about the lack of activities, sport and exercise possibilities. In some
prisons, e.g. Masindi, Luzira upper prison, the facilities exist for sports such as volley ball,
football, basket ball, netball, etc.
At some facilities, prisoners can stay out during all day (Luzira Upper condemned section,
Tororo prison). However, due to lack of staff, it is not rare that time out of the cell is very
limited: 30 minutes in the morning and 30 in the afternoon in Mbale according to officer in
charge, and 15 mn per day according to prisoners — before an escape that took place in
December 2001, time out of cell use to be two hours in the morning and two hours in the
afternoon. In some prisons, prisoners go out in groups, in turn, due to the lack of staff or as
officers fear potential escapes (Kasese local administration prison).
The situation is different in police stations. Space is usually very limited and does not allow
proper outdoor exercise. At Kasese, prisoners get out only a few minutes a day to receive
visits.
There are no activities or exercise in Tororo prison farm and Luzira remand.
Preparation for release
Prisoners complained everywhere that there was no help and preparation to release. The
welfare department is usually not strong enough in prisons.
In Masindi, Mbale, Tororo prison farm, prisoners said they were released without any means
for transports or pocket money. However, the officer in charge in Masindi said they did get
some amount for transport, back to the place where they were arrested.
An NGO known as "Uganda Prisoners Aid Society" visits prisons and interviews prisoners
who are about to be released. They visit their homes and checked whether the community
was ready to reintegrate them. Another NGO worked with prisoners to prepare them and
help them return to their families.
31
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