Uganda’s prison system is under mounting pressure, with facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity, prompting urgent calls for expansion and reform.

Appearing before Parliament, Samuel Akena, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service, revealed that as of March 30, 2026, the country’s prisons were holding 80,110 inmates, more than triple the official capacity of 23,104.

This translates into an alarming occupancy rate of 345 percent, meaning spaces designed for one inmate are now accommodating up to four or five people, far exceeding international standards.

According to Akena, of the total prison population, 42,340 are convicted prisoners, while 37,074 are on remand awaiting trial or sentencing. The high number of remand prisoners continues to significantly contribute to congestion.

“This is the biggest challenge we have and the biggest cost driver for our budget. For every single space, it is being occupied by four people,” Akena told lawmakers.

Officials warned that the situation could worsen if no immediate action is taken, projecting that the prison population may rise to 111,822 inmates by 2030. The increase is attributed to an estimated annual growth rate of 7 percent, coupled with prolonged pre-trial detention.

The crisis is further compounded by the age and condition of existing facilities. Many prisons date back to the colonial era, with some constructed as early as 1922 and others in the 1960s, with minimal expansion over the decades.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, underscored the urgency of modernizing prison infrastructure.

“The population has increased, but prison space has not. We must construct new facilities,” he said, adding that alternative measures such as parole remain underfunded and difficult to implement effectively.

In response to the growing crisis, the Uganda Prisons Service is seeking UGX 75.099 billion to finance a comprehensive expansion plan. The proposal includes the construction of 50 new prison wards, establishment of three local security prisons, and development of regional minimax facilities.

Authorities warn that without immediate investment, overcrowding will continue to escalate, posing serious risks to inmate welfare, public health, and the overall efficiency of the justice system.

Experts also point to delays in the judicial process as a major driver of congestion, with thousands of inmates spending extended periods on remand due to slow case resolution.