The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has disconnected water services to Luzira Prisons Complex due to unpaid water bill arrears amounting to Shs18.3 billion
The disconnection, undertaken on August 13, has raised significant concerns, given the impact on both inmates and staff within the facility.
Despite the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development releasing Shs2.3 billion in the first quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, part of the budgeted Shs79 billion allocated to NWSC, the outstanding arrears remain unresolved.
“This situation is a matter of national concern,” said Frank Baine, Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director CCA/Service Spokesperson.
“While we are currently using water bowsers to address the immediate crisis, we are actively engaging with NWSC and the relevant ministries to find a permanent solution.”
Negotiations are ongoing between Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), and NWSC to restore regular water services to the complex.
Uganda Prisons Service has urged both prisoners and staff to remain calm as efforts are made to resolve the issue.
“We remain committed to upholding our mission of providing safe, secure, and humane custody of offenders,” Baine added.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that normalcy is restored as soon as possible
