Prisoners Could Soon Serve Part of Sentences Outside Prison

[Archival Sense]

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robbinah Nabbanja (courtesy photo)

Eligible prisoners in Uganda could soon be allowed to serve part of their sentences outside prison under supervision, under new parole rules being developed by government to help address overcrowding.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja told Parliament last week that the Uganda Prisons Service had finalised the draft Parole Rules and Regulations, which have been submitted to the First Parliamentary Counsel for review.

Under the proposed system, prisoners granted parole would be required to meet conditions such as good conduct, regular reporting and participation in rehabilitation programmes while serving the remainder of their sentences in the community.

Those who breach the conditions could be returned to prison to complete their sentences.

The proposed parole system is part of government’s efforts to ease congestion in Uganda’s prisons while supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of eligible inmates.