680 inmates listed for presidential pardon

The Uganda Prisons Services (UPS) has submitted a list of 682 inmates to the Attorney General of benefit from the presidential pardon.

The Constitution of Uganda empowers the President to pardon various categories of prisoners on the advice of the prerogative of the mercy committee and the Attorney General.

Speaking to the media on Monday, The Ugandan prisons’ spokesperson, Mr. Frank Baine said the move is aimed at decongesting prisons around the country.

“We have submitted 682 names of prisoners to the prerogative of mercy committee headed by the Attorney General for the possibility of pardon”

According to Baine, every July of the year, the prisons service submits the names deemed fit for pardon which once approved, they’re are freed from their jail term.

“Every July of the year, we submit the names we deem fit for pardon and it is the discretion of the committee to look through and forward for the president for pardon or sit on the list and the year passes without the pardon”

Baine said the list includes all petty offenders who have finished three-quarters of their sentences; all offenders convicted of capital offenses but are left with only six months to finish their punishments.

“All inmates over aged (65 years and above) convicted that have finished half of their sentences, all convicts of rogue and vagabond, pregnant and breastfeeding women, a minor offender with ailments are part of this category and the list has been submitted for purposes of considering their pardon.”

Last year, President Museveni pardoned a total of 833 prisoners across the country in a move that was aimed at decongesting prisons around the country during the Covid pandemic.