The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, has dismissed allegations that opposition figures in custody are being denied adequate medical care, insisting that all inmates are entitled to treatment in accordance with the law.
Byabashaija made the remarks while appearing before Parliament, responding to concerns raised by Kampala District Woman MP Shamim Malende and Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu over the health of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
The legislators questioned why some inmates were allegedly being denied access to their personal doctors.
In response, Byabashaija said inmates on remand are legally entitled to receive medical attention from their personal doctors or any other qualified medical practitioner of their choice, as provided for under the law.
He revealed that the Uganda Prisons Service had facilitated specialised medical examinations for one of the inmates at a private medical facility, adding that decisions on referrals for further treatment are made exclusively by medical professionals, not prison authorities.
Addressing concerns about solitary confinement, Byabashaija said the practice is prohibited within the Uganda Prisons Service.
He, however, clarified that some inmates are housed separately for security, safety and prison management purposes, stressing that such arrangements should not be mistaken for solitary confinement.
By Francis Lubega
6th Aug 2026
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