By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Commissioner-General of Prisons, Dr.Johnson Byabashaija has suspended all visitations to prisons with immediate effect regardless of vaccination status to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 that has currently put the country on tenterhooks.
In the notice sent to all heads of departments, regional prisons commanders, heads of sections, Byabashaija also restricted staff movements and visitations from community members to staff barracks.
This comes at a time when the country is battling with the second wave of the pandemic which is spreading like a wildfire.
In consideration of the current situation in Uganda, and in the neighboring countries, Byabashaija called upon heads of departments to ensure strict adherence to the directives to control the pandemic inside the prisons.
“Standby Class 1 is sustained until further notice. Admission of new prisoners will continue at the current new reception centers and new prisoners will be re-integrated after 14 days of mandatory quarantine,” he said.
Byabashaija further added that the current court procedures will continue and in addition, prisoners will be taken to court on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
He ordered all staff to wear face masks without exception and ensure the availability of hand wash facilities within the barracks.
“Re-activate regional and facility-specific task force meetings to review progress. All staff must be engaged to make full participation in instituting preventive measures and reporting suspected cases in and around the barracks,” he said.
