– Advertisement –
The Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), Johnson Byabashaija, has expressed his support for the proposal to relocate Luzira Prison. This revelation came during his appearance before the Parliament Committee on Human Rights to address the state of human rights in the country.
The discussion was prompted by inquiries from Polycarp Ogwari, a Member of Parliament representing Agule County, regarding plans to relocate Luzira Prison to make way for the construction of an international hotel. Ogwari referenced two letters purportedly written by President Yoweri Museveni to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, on July 22, 2022, directing the relocation of Luzira Prison.
Commissioner Byabashaija highlighted that Luzira Prison’s current location in the midst of industrial activities no longer aligns with its status as a maximum-security facility. He acknowledged the existence of previous discussions regarding the relocation of the prison, citing a 2008 concept proposal by UPS after a review of security arrangements and available land for relocation.
Regarding the financial aspect of the proposal, Commissioner Byabashaija raised concerns about the substantial investment required for the relocation, estimated at around $100 million. He questioned the feasibility of finding a businessman willing to make such a significant investment in the relocation project.
– Advertisement –
President Museveni’s letter to Minister Otafiire outlined the proposal from Tian Tiang Group to transform Luzira Prison into a five-star hotel and conference center, with the relocation of the prison to a new site within Uganda. The President expressed his support for this idea and instructed the Minister to commence negotiations with the Tian Tiang Group to facilitate the process.
Minister Otafiire revealed additional details in his response, stating that the family of the late Antonio Lutwama Kabogoza, the landowner of the Luzira property, had agreed to sell the land to UPS for the relocation of the prison. Despite legal challenges related to the estate, the family expressed their willingness to sell their interest in the land for this purpose.
In light of these developments, Minister Otafiire invited relevant stakeholders to a joint meeting to review the family’s position and address any potential objections or proposals related to the Presidential directive.
Related
– Advertisement –
