DOC/OSpCXXIII)/324c/II The building were dilapidated, some doors locks and windows were broken, roofs were damaged. In the dormitory for minor offenders (boys), there where 30 bunk beds (60 sleeping places) for 68 boys. The room was 72 m2 and equipped with one toilet and two showers. Sheets, blankets and pillows were provided, but they were old. In the second dormitory, there were 17 bunk beds (34 sleeping places) for 58 juveniles. Some had to sleep on the floor. Boys and girls were mixed during the day, under supervision. Specific needs of girls were not attended to: they did not receive sanitary pads. Most went to school Monday to Friday, in the morning, but some were too old and did not attend. There was no sport or exercise, despite the existence of a playing ground. Juveniles deplored the lack of books. Some said their parents were not informed of the whereabouts. Communications with outside is difficult, since there is no phone and they can't take letters far from Kampala[B&R3]. Caning was inflicted by leaders ("Prime Ministers") as a punishment (three strokes), and when leaders themselves were punished, they received 10 strokes. Other vulnerable prisoners or specific groups The delegation was informed that prisoners aged over 52 should be released. However, people above the given age limit are still found in the prisons (Mbale and Luzira prisons, for instance) as they are illiterate and do not know their rights. A 62 year old prisoner in Mbale police headquarters said he wanted bail, but had nobody to stand for him as his family lived far. There was an 89 year old man in Luzira, and several others above 70. It seems that mentally ill prisoners do not get the attention and care they deserve. Most of ward two prisoners in Luzira maximum security prison suffered mental disorders, and were not attended to. Five mentally ill were kept under police custody at Kampala central police station. Five prisoners in Luzira prison are said to be political prisoners, and detained separately for security reasons. Discriminations It appears that discrimination based on ethnic origin does take place. It was mentioned by prisoners in Masindi and Mbale prisons, as well as Kampala central police station. They explained that their relations with guards and ward leaders depended on their ethnic group. Prisoners in Mbale said Iteso prisoners were privileged. Communication problems with people of some tribes were mentioned in Mbale and Luzira upper prison. Condemned prisoners in Luzira women prison said they felt discriminated and rejected: they were not allowed to go to other parts of the prison than their ward, except the yard. Condemned prisoners at Luzira Upper prison seem to be discriminated by doctors at Mulago Hospital. Doctors allegedly look at them as if they were animals. Buildings and housing Cells Most of the premises were built in the 1920's for a much smaller population. The accommodation capacity of UPS' 47 prisons is c. 8 000, against a orison population of more than 16 000. Prison rules say that prison accommodation should allow 4 square feet per prisoner but this is impossible. Acute overcrowding in many facilities was aggravated by the fact that some of the remote, rural facilities were under utilised as they are inaccessible to 17