At least 79 inmates including a Venezuelan have been set free from various government prisons after they have been pardoned by president Yoweri Museveni. Uganda Prisons Service –UPS Spokesperson, Frank Baine, said Museveni forgave the inmates on medical and humanitarian grounds.
At least 79 inmates including a Venezuelan have been
set free from various government prisons after being pardoned by President
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Uganda Prisons Service –UPS Spokesperson, Frank Baine, said
Museveni forgave the inmates on medical and humanitarian grounds.
“In the exercise of the power vest in the me under article
121 (1) (a) of the constitution of the republic of Uganda, 1995 as mended and
on the advice of the advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy, I hereby
grant to the person below, on public health and humanitarian grounds,” Museveni
states the communication.
Out of the 79 inmates, eight are from Fort Portal
prisons and these include; Deborah Kyakimwa, Mary Ithungu, Karim Adbudl, Robert Mugisa, Emmnanuel Masereka l, Philimon Barijwaha, Eriya Byaruhanga and Kyaligonza.
Five inmates have been released from Mbale prison and
they include; Peter Musana, Ronald Masjero, Paul Mashika, Jespa Anywa and Amos Mugudwa. Masindi prisons have also had five prisoners set free and these include; Sunday
Okot, Adidas Muwanguzi, Francis Okum and Kenneth Busobozi.
Museveni has also released inmates from Isimba who
include; Tera Zimonia, Dennis Kayongo, Brian Atwine and Agus Swaibu. UPDF
soldier Pte Awany James and police Corporal Sabiot Herbertson have also been
released.
This is one of the smallest number of inmates Museveni
has released. In 2020, Museveni pardoned 883 prisoners. However, Baine did not
reveal the offences the pardoned inmates had been convicted and sentenced for.
President Museveni as the head of state is the only person with
the powers to pardon inmates. Museveni has been pardoning prisoners normally at
the end or start of the year. The latest document shows Museveni set free the
79 inmates on January 3rd but UPS has been processing their release documents.
Joseph Kato is currently a Master's candidate at Makerere University. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from Kampala International University, a Diploma in Journalism and he's also a graduate in Guidance and Counseling.
