By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Uganda Prisons Service has declared a Standby Class one Security Order taking effect on the 15th December, 2023.
The order issued by the Commissioner General, Dr. Byaibashaija on Friday 8th December, 2023 is copied to all DPCs, RPCs, OCs, Directors and Heads of Departments.
The New Order means that effective 15th December, no prison visitations are allowed although the authorities will permit receiving goods delivered to the inmates.
It also means that ‘Kibarua’, Prisons slang for prisoners’ hired labour is forthwith suspended until the Order is lifted.
The declaration of Standby Class One ultimately means heightened security measures across all prison facilities in the country. For instance, it means restriction of unauthorized persons within prison premises, more routine patrols around prisons, adoption of two shift deployment model and suspension of end of year staff parties.
The Order also means that no officer of the Service shall go on annual leave when this declaration has not been revoked by the Commissioner General himself.
Referring sick prisoners to Health Facilities outside prisons will also be controlled/discouraged.
The Commissioner General says the declaration is in response to the Festive season which comes along with it excitement in and outside prisons which leads to security challenges and increased terrorism activities.
