Frank Baine, the spokesperson for Uganda Prisons, has clarified that access to external food is a privilege, not a right, and is governed by specific legal conditions outlined in the Prisons Act.
In providing clarity, the Uganda Prisons Service has strongly denied allegations that Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye has been denied food brought from outside Luzira Murchison Bay prison.
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Allegations by Kampala deputy mayor Doreen Nyanjura and Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, that Dr. Besigye has chosen to starve after mistrusting food from the prison canteen and is barred from receiving provisions brought by family and allies.
Nyanjura claimed that Besigye was forced to choose between eating prison food or starving. According to her, items such as posho, rice, millet flour, and other provisions brought by Besigye’s family and allies were rejected by prison authorities. She also added that Besigye, who has been vocal about his concerns, was being denied the opportunity to physically meet visitors and interact with other inmates. She described his treatment as “a prison within a prison.”
Baine denied the claims, stating, “We have 80,000 inmates, and our duty is to keep them, not to kill them. Prisoners are entitled to food as outlined in the law, and no one is denied exercise or access to basic needs.” He emphasized that all prisoners, including Dr Besigye, are treated according to Uganda’s Prisons Act and the institution’s standing orders.
According to Baine, standing orders allow external food only if the prisoner gives prior notice and complies with procedures set by the officer in charge. He explained, “This is not a buyer-seller market where visitors dictate the terms. All items must meet the prescribed conditions to be allowed inside the prison.”
However, Baine cited Section 69 of the Prisons Act, which mandates that every prisoner be provided with food that is “nutritious, wholesome, and adequate to maintain health and strength.”.
He said the law does not require prisons to accept food brought by relatives or friends. However, under certain conditions outlined in the standing orders, unconvicted prisoners like Besigye may receive food from outside.
Baine dismissed allegations of mistreatment as “outrageous” and without merit. He stated that the government’s role is to enforce the law and ensure prisoners are treated within the guidelines provided by the Prisons Act.
“The idea that we are trying to kill someone in prison is ridiculous. We do not deny anyone food or basic rights, but the law outlines how these rights are managed,” Baine said.
He said that the Uganda Prisons Service operates under strict legal provisions, including Section 68 of the Prisons Act, which mandates that all prisoners comply with prison discipline and regulations during their detention.
“Whether it is Dr. Besigye or any other prisoner, everyone must be managed according to the law,” Baine added.
Amid allegations and more allegations, Baine urged the public to allow the Uganda Prisons Service to perform its duties without undue interference. “We have been managing prisons for decades. Please let us do our work,” he added.
Baine emphasized that the management of prisons is governed strictly by professional guidelines, not political influence. Baine clarified that the rules and regulations under the Prisons Act, along with standing orders, are strictly followed to ensure discipline and fairness in prison operations.
“We operate according to the guidelines provided, not based on political inclinations. Management and politics are very different,” Baine stated. He added that privileges, including access to food from outside prison, are not rights but can be granted under specific conditions.
“Any privilege allowed under these standing orders may be withdrawn by the officer in charge if there is proof of abuse,” he explained. Baine further noted that the officer in charge is authorized to adjust these privileges as necessary to maintain discipline.
Baine reassured the public that Uganda’s prisons are managed according to international standards. He emphasized that all prisoners, regardless of their status or background, are treated equally under the law.
“Whether it is a retired Colonel or someone else, we look at them as prisoners. That is why every prisoner gets a prison number and is managed accordingly, and we shall continue to do that,” he said.
Addressing allegations that the government intends to harm Dr. Besigye, Baine called the claims baseless.
“This is not the first time we have received and kept him. The first time he was with us was in 2005, and he has since been with us at least three more times. He has come in and gone out, and so it will be,” Baine stated.
He urged those spreading false information to stop creating alarms and warned that visitors who distort facts may lose visitation privileges.
“If your intention to visit is to distort facts, then there is no reason for you to be permitted to visit,” he noted.
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