Prisons worried of prisoners escaping as warders watch world cup

The leadership of Uganda Prisons has expressed worry that the commencement of the world’s biggest football showcase, the World Cup, in Qatar may result in prisoners escaping as guards watch the games on television.

And for that matter, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabasaija, has issued directives to prevent such acts. The directives will also help to beef up security at a time when there have been rampant attacks on security installations in the country.

According to Frank Mayanja Baine, the Commissioner of Prisons and the Prisons Spokesperson, all members of staff have been directed to be alert and ensure the safety of guns as a priority.

The Commissioner General also directed the enhancement of security at boma and sentries where prisoners may be watching football and the enhancement of security of prisoners to and from court, hospital and labour and to desist from lone deployments.

Other directives include conducting night and day barracks and prison patrols, enhancing searches of all those entering or leaving the prison and that staff must not report for duty with phones to avoid distraction and interference with alertness.

Any officer in charge that breaches these directives shall be personally held responsible, Baine said, warningly.