The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has announced that the country’s prison population has reached 78,959 inmates, reflecting the growing congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.
According to the latest statistics released by UPS spokesperson Frank Baine, the figure includes 42,193 convicts, 36,134 remand prisoners, and 632 debtors currently in custody.
Baine also revealed that 303 children are living with their mothers in prison facilities across the country. The children are housed within 269 prison units — a situation that underscores the complex challenge of maintaining welfare and child support within the prison system.
Despite the rising inmate population, Baine said the Uganda Prisons Service continues to prioritize the welfare of both prisoners and the young children in custody.
He noted that the Service remains committed to ensuring humane treatment, proper nutrition, and access to basic healthcare for all inmates.
UPS has appealed for continued government and partner support to strengthen rehabilitation, reintegration, and child care programmes in prisons across the country.