Lira City leaders decry congestion at government prison

By Uganda Radio Network.

Prison authorities in Lango have decried the high level of congestion at Lira main prison. Established in 1943, Lira Main prison was constructed for an average lock up number of 400 prisoners but at the moment, the facility is housing over 1000 inmates.

Speaking at the opening of the plea bargain session, Godfrey Komakech, the Regional Prison Commander described the situation as “extreme,” saying the situation is deplorable.

“If dark would descend now and we have the opportunity to peep through the wards and see how the inmates are sleeping, you will agree with me that your coming here today was in the right direction”, said Komakech.

According to him, the congestion is facilitated by the delayed justice system.
He also decried the high number of young people stuck in the facility.

Lawrence Egole, the Lira City Resident City Commissioner confirmed the high number of inmates in the prison saying it’s always reported in their security meetings.

However, the Lira City mayor Sam Atul, called for a collective responsibility to address the challenge of high number of youths filling up prison walls.

Uganda Prison Service is facing extreme congestion with over 78,000 inmates residing in a facility designed to accommodate only 21,000 inmates.