By Markson Omagor
(Writer)
The developments of Friday did affect me as well. After Ddumba, an inmate soon to be released was relocated to Block D, a gap was created in the high command section.
The High Command is a luxurious section of the Prison Cell located at the end tail of the Ward where the Kattikiro, Senior members called Wazee and other cabinet members slept. It is spacious to the extent that one could have space large enough for three by three inch mattress.
That evening while we whiled away time playing cards, Katikiro came to us and informed Odongo, the R.P ward that I should be moved from Muyenga to the High Command.
Muyenga is next in luxury to the High Command located at the lower end of the Ward but next to the toilets. It is occupied by the Ward’s RP, lesser Wazee and other RPs. At least two by two inch mattress can be squeezed.
Then he moved away, Odongo later told me, that I was required to shift to the High Command, then I asked for his opinion. From what he said, there was an apparent resistance on his side for me to shift.
I quickly noticed this way prison politics of survival; where there is a perceived or real benefit everybody wants you under their armpits. To live in High Command was off course my dream and I still wished to live there. There was more space, the occupants were more reasonable, the air fresher and the place cleaner.
I took more time to analyze Odongo’s true intent and purpose. He later told me that Muyenga was occupied by Bantu and none of them was my friend. He actually intimated to time that if I preferred to stay with him in Muyenga I should.
Katikiro as if noticing something came back after an hour. This time he directed the question to me.
“Sssebo mukulu, olikusenguka oba? Literally meaning; Sir, are shifting or not. The Kattikiro asked me directly. But before I could reply, Odongo had already fired off. He actually told the Kattikiro that he had told me but I was still mulling over the issue. Realizing that an opportunity was about to slip through my fingers, I wasted no time. I told Katikiro that I was willing to be shifted even the same evening, so it happened that evening I slept a good sleep.
My relocation to the High Command improved on my welfare: I was able to buy a bigger mattress, breathed fresher air, enjoyed sleep uninterrupted unlike my previous abode where I was mostly woken up by movement of ward-mates to and from the toilets- this was worse when sweet potatoes had been served.
