Martha Najjuka, the Women Councillor for Nabweru in Nansana Division, Wakiso District, has urged Ugandans to make visiting prisoners a regular practice, saying such gestures can significantly uplift inmates’ mental health and morale.
Najjuka made the appeal on Friday after visiting Luzira Maximum Security Prison, where she met Doreen Kaija, the Principal of the National Unity Platform (NUP) School of Leadership, who was recently remanded alongside ten other party members, including NUP Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro.
She said many inmates struggle with depression, anxiety, and feelings of abandonment due to prolonged isolation and limited family contact.
“Many inmates lose hope and struggle with mental health challenges because they feel forgotten,” Najjuka said.
“A simple visit, a conversation, or even a message of encouragement can make a huge difference in their recovery and reintegration.”
Najjuka said her visit was not only an act of solidarity but also a reminder that all detainees—regardless of political affiliation—deserve humane treatment and emotional support.
She encouraged families, friends, and local leaders to reach out to inmates and help restore their sense of belonging.
“We may disagree politically, but humanity must unite us,” she said. “When we visit prisoners, we remind them that society still cares and that their lives still have meaning beyond their current circumstances.”
Her remarks come amid growing concern from civil society organizations over the mental health of inmates and the limited availability of psychosocial support services within Uganda’s correctional facilities.
