Prisons Commissioner gives assurance on Besigye, Lukwago healthcare

What the report says

Uganda’s Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, told Parliament that inmates who need treatment beyond what the prison health system can provide are allowed to see their own doctors or be referred to outside facilities. He made the remarks on Thursday, 6 August 2026, while appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, chaired by Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, after MPs raised questions about prisoner healthcare.

The discussion focused in part on the medical care of prominent remand prisoners, including opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Kampala District Woman MP Shamim Malende and Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu said they were concerned that some detainees arrive in custody with existing conditions and strong medical advice from outside hospitals, but may not be getting adequate attention in prison.

Byabashaija said the prison service is flexible and relies on doctors’ recommendations. He said prisoners who are not yet convicted can access personal physicians and may be taken to facilities of their choice when necessary, including Mulago National Referral Hospital or other appropriate centres. He also said the service is trying to manage overcrowding, which he linked to delays in the justice system, and noted that some inmates have waited years for trials to be fixed.

The commissioner additionally said prisons are handling mental health cases through a special ward and support from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, while plans for a dedicated facility remain in development. He also said relocation of Luzira Maximum Security Prison is still only a concept because no suitable investor has been secured.