Luzira Prison Complex, home to one of Uganda’s largest correctional facilities, has been promoting its state-of-the-art staff clinic, highlighting its commitment to improving healthcare for both prison staff and inmates.
According to updates shared on the official Luzira Prison social media accounts, the facility aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery within the Prison system and extend services to surrounding communities.
The prison medical facility boasts high-capacity wards, an intensive care unit (ICU), a maternity ward, a surgical theater, a laboratory, and diagnostic services. It also includes specialized departments for dentistry, mental health and HIV/Aids treatment.
With advanced medical technology, such as electronic medical records and telemedicine capabilities, the clinic is expected to enhance healthcare access, improve treatment quality, reduce referrals to external hospitals, and increase staff productivity.
However, not everyone shares this optimistic view. Olivia Lutaaya, a former prisoner at Luzira, has offered a different perspective on the quality of care provided, particularly for prisoners on remand.
Lutaaya, one of the 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who pleaded guilty in October 2024 to charges of treachery and illegal possession of explosive devices, claims that convicted in-mates receive better healthcare than those on remand unless a medical condition becomes critical.
Lutaaya, who was arrested during the 2020–2021 elections for her support of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), says that prisoners on remand often face delays in receiving medical care.
She explained that when a remanded prisoner arrives at Luzira with an existing medical condition, they are not immediately allowed to continue their prescribed medications. Instead, the drugs undergo testing to verify their authenticity, a process that can take up to two weeks.
During this period, patients are left without medication, increasing the risk of complications and side effects. Even after this process, Lutaaya claims, prisoners are often given different medications than those they originally brought with them.
She also noted that decisions regarding access to medical care are often delayed and may depend on a prisoner’s status or influence.
“If a prisoner falls ill, it can take a long time for the prison management to decide whether to take them to the facility or an external medical center. The speed and extent of care depend on who you are,” Lutaaya said.
While Luzira prison has positioned its clinic as a model for prison healthcare, Lutaaya’s account raises concerns about inconsistencies in treatment access and the prioritization of convicts over those on remand. Whether the clinic can deliver on its promise of equal and improved healthcare for all inmates remains a key issue.
FOOD, PUNISHMENTS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT
The state of food, supplies and medical care in Uganda’s prisons has come under renewed scrutiny following recent statements from Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine.
His remarks were in response to claims that former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye had refused to eat food from Luzira Murchison prison canteen, choosing instead to go without meals.
Baine clarified that while food is provided to prisoners, it is not a right but a privilege within the prison system. Citing Section 69 of the Prisons Act, he stated that prisoners must be given food of sufficient nutritional value, prepared and served at designated times.
He also noted that while food is permitted, certain items like soap and bread are restricted in the women’s ward.
“It is mandatory to take the food provided by the prison. Even if a prisoner refuses to eat, they must still collect their meal. That is one of the reasons prisoners are counted daily,” Baine explained.
PRISON DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Beyond food concerns, the prison system has strict disciplinary measures for inmates who violate rules. According to former Luzira inmate Olivia Lutaaya, prisoners who misbehave can face solitary confinement for up to two weeks, depending on the offense. Other penalties include suspension of visits and restrictions on receiving food from outside.
SSEGIRINYA’S ORDEAL IN PRISON
Prison conditions have also been in the spotlight following revelations from the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, the former Kawempe North MP, who spent time in Luzira prison.
In February 2023, Ssegirinya revealed that he had suffered from a serious health condition while incarcerated but was initially denied specialized medical treatment.
He credited his survival to the intervention of former Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga, who negotiated with Uganda Prisons commissioner general Johnson Byabashaija for his transfer to Mulago national referral hospital.
“Had you not negotiated for my treatment and transfer to Mulago, I would have died. Thank you,” Ssegirinya said in his final acknowledgment before his passing.
UGANDA PRISONS RESPONDS
When asked about these claims, prison spokesperson Baine dismissed them, insisting that all inmates receive equal treatment and that the government provides funding to ensure proper medical care.
He emphasized that prisoners in need of specialized treatment are referred to Mulago and other designated health facilities. Baine also questioned Lutaaya’s criticism, pointing out that she spent four years on remand without any life-threatening medical issues.
“She was in prison for four years—did she not fall sick at any time? How did she survive if the medical system was as bad as she claims? Baine remarked.
With ongoing concerns about food quality, medical care, and disciplinary practices in Uganda’s prison system, these contrasting perspectives highlight the wider debate on prison conditions and inmate welfare. Whether further reforms will be made to address these concerns remains to be seen.