New Vision (Kampala)

Uganda: Thirty-Seven Inmates Die in Prison

By Charles Ariko, 28 October 2002

Kampala — THIRTY-SEVEN inmates have died while in custody in Luzira Upper Prison since January.

The Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Mary Kaddu, recently told The New Vision that 30 of the inmates died of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses in Mulago Hospital where they were admitted at different times. Seven died of short illnesses.

Kaddu said the department was facing a shortage of drugs for the over 2,000 inmates being held in Luzira Upper Prison.

She said the drugs on high demand were those for treating malaria, diabetes, and hypertension.

"We have a shortage of drugs especially anti-malaria drugs and antibiotics. The only drug we have in abundance is for treating Tuberculosis, which is supplied free of charge by the Ministry of Health," Kaddu said.

Inmates rely solely on drugs supplied by prison authorities. Kaddu said this was to safeguard inmates from potential enemies. Ends

Tagged: Corruption, East Africa, Legal Affairs, Uganda

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