Mityana Municipality lawmaker, Francis Zaake, has urged Parliament to launch an investigation into the human rights abuses occurring within Uganda Prisons Services Highlighting the practice of cutting off inmates’ hair before they have been convicted, Zaake emphasized the urgent need for parliamentary oversight to address these violations and ensure the protection of detainees’ rights.
Zaake’s call to action comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of prisoners in Uganda. Reports have surfaced detailing various forms of mistreatment, with pre-conviction haircutting being a particularly contentious issue.
Critics argue that this practice not only undermines the dignity of the individuals involved but also raises questions about the broader respect for human rights within the penal system.
The lawmaker stressed that such actions are a clear violation of the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle enshrined in both national and international law. He urged his fellow legislators to prioritize this issue, ensuring that Uganda Prisons Servics adhere to the highest standards of human rights and that all detainees are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“I am just from prison and you can all be victims of this, anytime you can be arrested, taken to prison and your hair is cut illegally. But our laws, any member of the public unless one is convicted, that is when you can be humiliated to this extent. I believe this is inhumane, this isn’t right. It is good some colleagues were given bail, I was with them there, the conditions in Prison are very bad, and our people are suffering. For 4-6 years, people are just on remand, some of them have even never faced any judge,” he said.
Zaake’s appeal to Parliament highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the prison system to implement reforms that will prevent future abuses. He called for increased transparency and accountability, proposing the establishment of an independent body to oversee prison conditions and investigate any allegations of misconduct.
In response to Zaake’s request, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa expressed support and instructed Parliament’s Human Rights Committee to investigate the issue. Tayebwa emphasized the importance of annual reports on the state of prison facilities, stating, “We are supposed to receive a report on the state of prisons every year. I assign you to look into this matter as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Zaake’s call for investigation into how Uganda Prisons Services handles its work comes at a time when the institution is under scrutiny over the inhumane treatment and deplorable living conditions of inmates, following complaints raised by young Ugandans who were arrested during the July 2024, March to Parliament, where they were protesting the corruption at Parliament.
Many of the inmates complained of the congestion, deplorable toilet facilities, torn and dirty uniforms, and the poor quality of food given to inmates, with some saying only two meals are served the whole day.
Shaving off Prisoners’ hair
In some prison systems, it is common practice to give prisoners a haircut upon their entry into the facility for several reasons:
Security and Uniformity: Giving all incoming prisoners a standard haircut, it helps maintain a sense of uniformity among the inmates. This can make it easier for prison staff to identify individuals and can help prevent prisoners from hiding contraband or weapons in their hair.
Hygiene: Long hair can be difficult to maintain in a prison environment where access to personal grooming tools may be limited. Giving prisoners a haircut helps promote better hygiene and reduces the risk of infestations like lice.
Control and Discipline: The act of cutting a prisoner’s hair upon entry can be seen as a way to assert control and establish discipline within the prison environment. It can be a symbolic gesture to signify the loss of personal freedom and autonomy that comes with being incarcerated.
Safety: Long hair can potentially be used as a means for self-harm or as a tool in altercations between inmates. By giving prisoners a haircut, it can help mitigate some of these safety risks.
However, some researchers note that prisoners’ haircuts upon their entry into the prison facility are partially to dehumanize, lower self-esteem, erase individuality and crush ego. Mostly to eliminate vermin and bugs.
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