President Yoweri Museveni has exercised his powers under article 121 (1) (a) of the constitution of Uganda, to set free at least 79 inmates including a foreign national from Government Prisons across the country.
The prisoners including a Venezuelan national were released on mostly humanitarian basis from Mbale, Isimba , Masindi and Fort Portal Prisons among others.
The statement released on January 3rd reads ; “In the exercise of the power vest in 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,”
Eight inmates were pardoned from Fortportal, including; Deborah Kyakimwa, Mary Ithungu, Karim Abdul, Robert Mugisa, Emmnanuel Masereka, Philimon Barijwaha, Eriya Byaruhanga and Kyaligonza. Five inmates released from Mbale prison include; Peter Musana, Ronald Masjero, Paul Mashika, Jespa Anywa and Amos Mugudwa. Four from Masindi prisons are; Sunday Okot, Adidas Muwanguzi, Francis Okum and Kenneth Busobozi.
Meanwhile those from Isimba prison include; Tera Zimonia, Dennis Kayongo, Brian Atwine and Agus Swaibu. UPDF soldier Pte Awany James and police Corporal Sabiot Herbertson.
The release has been confirmed by Uganda Prisons Service-UPS Spokesperson Frank Baine, who said the pardon was based on medical and humanitarian grounds.
In 2020, President Museveni pardoned 883 prisoners. Museveni’s move to pardon the prisoners was in line with government’s efforts to decongest prisons to regulate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) .
