The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has confirmed that at least 10 of its warders are currently in custody, facing allegations of torturing inmates.

This information was disclosed by UPS spokesperson Frank Baine, who reiterated the service’s zero-tolerance policy towards torture.

Baine emphasized that the Uganda Prisons Service does not internally handle cases of torture involving its officers. Instead, they are referred directly to the criminal justice system.
“Torture is a matter of law in Uganda,” Baine stated, highlighting the seriousness with which these allegations are treated.

“And when it happens, it is not even the Prisons to prevail on the perpetrator; the matter goes to court. We have over 10 inmates behind bars over torture of inmates,” Baine remarked.

For over two decades according to Baine, Uganda Prisons stopped whipping inmates ever since this was outlawed as a form of punishment.

Until 1999, Ugandan courts could sentence convicts to whiplashes.

Baine explains that this punishment was administered by trained Prison warders in the presence of medical doctors.

“Back then, an inmate would be stripped naked, tied on a triangular frame and whipped in the same spot. The doctor would be present to ensure that the cane and the officer administering the punishment are the right size,” he added.

However, this form of punishment was ruled unconstitutional and removed from the penal system by the Supreme Court in 1999.

Defends strip-searching

Mr Baine on the other hand, defended some other practices that persist in prisons such as strip-searching inmates.

He said this is standard practice around the world.

In Uganda Prisons, Baine said inmates are stripped naked and searched thoroughly to make sure that they are not carrying contraband.

The search, which can last up to 30 minutes is also intended to take note of any scars and other body defects that the inmate came with so they cannot claim that they sustained in prison.