DOC/OS(XXXIII)/324c/II General of Prosecution by the 1995 Constitution has already noticeable effects: the average remand period was reduced from 4 to 2 years. 2. There are also efforts to improve working methods and efficiency. Donors coordination meetings take place every two months and are open to civil society. The Human rights committee at prison headquarters co-ordinates with Uganda Human Rights Commission and relevant bodies to examine prisoners' complaints. The collaboration with the Central, Eastern and Southern African Heads of Correctional Services Conference (CESCA) in training, management, policy and conditions of service of personnel is, no doubt, an opportunity to exchange experience and learn from other's successes. 3. The Open door policy of UPS is certainly a great step towards improvements, and is a clear sign of openness and willingness to see things change for the better. The work of NGOs in prisons is considerable and should be praised. The Special Rapporteur encourages NGOs and the Ugandan authorities to develop this cooperation and to extend it. 4. The Special Rapporteur wishes to commend the work and the professional behaviour of the central prisons' staff, in particular Officers in charge at Murchison Bay, Kakiika and Mbale women section. Efforts are made to upgrade lower level staff. Human rights training is being organised for all staff. Recommendations General recommendations 1. Overcrowding is the most important problem. It is the source of many problems found. The Special Rapporteur would like to draw the attention of the Government of Uganda to the fact that the solution to this issue is not to build more prisons, but to reform the system towards more efficiency in the police and courts. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the initiatives that have already been taken to reduce congestion be developed and implemented throughout the country. Moreover, the following measures could contribute to further addressing the problem: • Offences such as idleness should be removed from the Penal code and other offences which could be dealt with in another way should be decriminalised (e.g. Community service could be ordered for those who failed to pay taxes). • Alternative sentences, suspended sentences and probation should be implemented • Considering the large proportion of persons on defilement cases, the government should consider amending the law to ensure that magistrates courts be able to dispose of them. Magistrates could pay a particular attention to these cases and investigate thoroughly to avoid unfair prosecution. 1. Local administration of prisons needs urgent attention: • Their budget should be increased in order to ensure that inmates are kept in humane conditions (Mpigi, Kasese) • The working conditions of inmates there should be systematically investigated. Overwork and forced labour should be eradicated, as they amount to human rights violations and degrading and inhumane treatment. Moreover, thy are prohibited by the Constitution. 2. The behaviour of staff towards inmates should change: • Inmates complained of ill-treatments and corporal punishment should be ended in all places were it is still used by staff and leaders amongst prisoners 38