Why Make Them Kneel? Nabbanja Sends Tough Warning To Prison Warders Over Humiliating Treatment Of Inmates During Family Visits

Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has warned prison warders against forcing inmates to kneel or sit on the floor when receiving visitors, saying prisoners should not be stripped of their dignity simply because they have been sent to prison.

Nabbanja issued the warning while responding to concerns raised in Parliament by Charles Tebandeke, the MP for Bbaale County, who questioned why some prisoners are made to kneel or sit on the floor while their relatives and friends sit comfortably on chairs during visits.

Tebandeke told Parliament that the practice is humiliating and unfair, especially when parents, elders and other respected members of families are subjected to such treatment in front of their loved ones. He argued that imprisonment should not make someone lose the respect and dignity they deserve as a human being.

Responding to the concerns, Nabbanja clarified that forcing prisoners to kneel or sit on the floor during visits is not an approved practice of the Uganda Prisons Service. She warned that officers who allow or encourage such treatment could face disciplinary action.

“I wish to further clarify that requiring prisoners to kneel or sit on the floor while receiving visitors is not a standard practice of the Uganda Prison Service. Where such practices are identified in any prison facility, the responsible officers are discouraged from permitting or perpetuating them and where necessary disciplinary action may be taken against officers found responsible for mismanagement,” Nabbanja said.

The Prime Minister further explained that prison regulations already provide for proper arrangements during visits. She cited the Prison Standing Orders, which require prisons to have suitable visiting areas furnished with tables and chairs so that inmates can meet their relatives under appropriate conditions.

Nabbanja emphasised that although prisoners must follow security and disciplinary rules, they still have fundamental rights that must be respected. She said being lawfully imprisoned does not take away a person's inherent human dignity or their right to humane treatment.

The Uganda Prisons Service also informed Parliament that most prison facilities have designated visiting areas with proper seating arrangements. At Luzira Upper Prison, some visits are conducted through an intercom system, while facilities without permanent visiting structures are expected to provide at least two chairs or a bench for prisoners and their visitors.