Prisons halts transfer of prisoners due to red eyes outbreak

The outbreak that has so far hit over 1,000 prisoners has prompted the immediate suspension of prisoner transfers to and from affected units.

The Uganda Prisons Service has halted the transfer of prisoners from one prison to the another following an outbreak of red eyes in several prison facilities across the country.

The outbreak that has so far hit over 1,000 prisoners has prompted the immediate suspension of prisoner transfers to and from affected units.

As of today (Friday, March 15), more than 1,200 cases have been registered within Kampala schools and communities.

This week, the ministry of health and partner agencies announced the outbreak of red eyes, a disease that has spread across the country.

According to the Uganda prisons service Health Department, over 1,000 cases have been reported, with a remarkable 90 percent recovery rate among victims.

The affected units include Kampala Remand Prison, Upper Maximum-Security Prison, Pader Prison, Murchison Bay Prison, Kaweeri Prison, Lira Main, Luzira Women’s Prison, and Erute Prison.

“Our teams are working day and night to make sure the situation is back to normal” Frank Mayanja Baine – Uganda Prisons Spokesperson

To contain the spread of the infection and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff, Uganda Prisons Service has suspended the transfer of prisoners from one facility to the other.

“Transfer of to and from the infected prison facilities have been suspended until the outbreak is brought to control,” Frank Baine, spokesperson for Uganda Prisons, said.

According to Baine, currently, visitations are being conducted under strict rules and regulations, while identified cases are being promptly isolated and treated.

All regional prisons commanders, district prisons commanders, and officers in charge have been directed to enforce compliance with these measures.

In the same realm, more than 1,200 cases have been identified in Kampala, with the Rubaga Division being hit hard.

Health experts have underscored the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the health and well-being of prison inmates, staff, and the public amidst this outbreak.