By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Prisons Service has said they are adhering to the International Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Offenders in all government prisons across the country.
This is after suspects in the case of former Tax Accountant at Bwendero Dairy Farm murder pleaded with the presiding judge Alex Ajiji that they were starving and unable to stand in docks and follow court proceedings.
Through their respective defense attorneys, the suspects informed the Judge that Monday’s court ended past 5pm and that due to heavy traffic, they arrived at Luzira Prison late and missed their evening meals.
They also stated that they were unable to have breakfast on Tuesday morning because they’re hurrying to court.
The judge agreed with the suspects’ lawyers to adjourn the hearing until Wednesday, November 1. Justice Ajiji said the right to food is paramount and that a hungry person cannot follow proceedings.
In a twist of events however, Prisons spokesperson, Frank Baine Mayanja dismissed the allegations noting that inmates are treated in accordance to the international standard recommended for offenders also known as the Mandela rules.
“It is absolutely not true that the prisoners were starving and never got the chance to be visited at court,” said Baine.
He noted that the suspects were served all the meals and visited by some of their people whose details were captured in the Prisons visitor’s register.
