STAFF REPORTER
Bishop Dan Zoreka has urged the government to address the escalating congestion in Kanungu and Kihihi prisons by constructing new facilities. During a visit to Kanungu Prison, the bishop emphasized the urgent need to improve living conditions for inmates. He called on the government to expand prison infrastructure and promote the use of Local Council (LC) courts for minor cases, which would reduce the burden on higher courts and alleviate overcrowding. “The government must build larger, more complex structures to accommodate the growing number of prisoners. Utilizing LC courts can significantly reduce the influx,” stated Bishop Zoreka.
Kanungu Prison currently houses over 1,000 inmates annually, with projections indicating that this number could double to 2,000 within two years. The prison suffers from severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and deteriorating facilities. Inmates have voiced concerns about prolonged remand periods, limited access to courts to express grievances, and a lack of essential amenities.
Reverend Erica Kamuteera commended the prison’s efforts to maintain food quality and cleanliness despite the challenges. Regular religious outreach programs, including Sunday services, monthly crusades led by born-again churches, and holiday celebrations organized by the Catholic Church, provide spiritual support to the inmates. However, inmates have expressed frustration over delayed court hearings and extended remand periods, which they feel are neglected issues.
The prison occupies a 25-acre site earmarked for expansion, but progress has been hampered by insufficient funds for landscaping and construction. Immediate priorities include building a secure perimeter wall, a functional administration block, permanent staff housing, and a water storage tank. Additionally, seven asbestos-roofed buildings need urgent replacement, and transport remains a challenge due to the lack of a service vehicle.
Rehabilitation initiatives include farming and animal husbandry, with both inmates and staff participating to promote self-sufficiency. However, inmates noted the absence of a canteen, which slows down access to services. Rising crime rates in Kanungu—fueled by coffee theft, domestic violence, and population growth—have exacerbated the issue of overcrowding. The prison warden reported an increase in recidivism, suggesting that some inmates perceive prison conditions as more manageable than life outside.
Despite these challenges, Kanungu Prison has maintained order, with no escapes reported this year. Visiting justices stressed that prisons should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. “The goal is for inmates to leave here as responsible citizens,” one justice noted.
As Kanungu Prison strives to fulfill its rehabilitative mission amidst increasing pressures, Bishop Zoreka’s appeal highlights the urgent need for government intervention to ensure humane and effective correctional services.
