Luzira Prisons has been grappling with a severe water crisis for over a week following the disconnection of water services by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
The disruption, which began on August 13, 2024, was a result of unpaid bills amounting to over 18 billion Ugandan Shillings.
In an official statement, Frank Baine Mayanja, the Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director Cca/Service Spokesperson, confirmed the situation:
“On August 13, 2024, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) disconnected water services to the Luzira Prisons Complex due to outstanding water bill arrears of Shs. 18,272,450,274.”
The statement further elaborated that despite the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) releasing 2.36 billion Ugandan Shillings in the first quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, the situation remains unresolved.
This payment is part of the budgeted 8 billion Ugandan Shillings that had already been remitted to NWSC.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has described the crisis as a matter of national concern. In the interim, UPS is using water bowsers to supply water to the facility as they work to resolve the issue.
Negotiations are ongoing between the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, UPS, and NWSC to restore normal water services.
Prisoners and staff have been urged to remain calm while long-term solutions are being pursued.
UPS has assured the public of its commitment to providing safe, secure, and humane custody for all offenders, despite the current challenges.
