Amidst swirling rumors and speculation, the fate of Luzira Maximum Prison in Uganda hangs in the balance as discussions regarding its potential relocation and replacement with a five-star hotel continue at the ministerial level.
Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Services, clarified on Monday that an official statement regarding the prison’s future will be released once discussions are concluded. Baine emphasized that the matter remains under ministerial deliberation, prohibiting them from commenting further at this time.
“The issue of relocating Luzira Maximum Prison has been under discussion since 2013,” Baine stated. “For now, those seeking information should reach out to the Attorney General, Minister of Internal Affairs, or the Office of the President.”
Rumors surrounding the prison’s potential transformation gained traction after reports surfaced that President Museveni had received a proposal from the Tian Tang Group in 2022. The proposal outlined plans to convert the prison into a luxury hotel and relocate it to a new area, a notion reportedly endorsed by the President.
In a letter dated July 2022, Museveni expressed his support for the idea, noting the request from the Tian Tang Group and affirming his backing for the restructuring of Luzira Maximum Prison.
Adding weight to the speculation, Minister of Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafire confirmed in a letter dated February 22, 2024, that negotiations are underway to acquire land for Luzira’s relocation. Otafire revealed that the government had identified land in Buikwe, with plans to purchase a portion for the new prison site.
“The Uganda Prison Service has identified 3.5 square miles in Buikwe, out of which they have agreed to purchase 1 square mile for the said location,” Otafire disclosed.
However, complications have arisen regarding the land acquisition process. Otafire noted that the family from whom the land is being purchased had not obtained administrative letters since 1928. Consequently, the involvement of the Attorney General is sought to facilitate the procurement of these administrative documents to facilitate the land sale.
The Attorney General and the Minister of Internal Affairs are scheduled to meet on March 6, 2024, to finalize negotiations and chart the way forward in the Luzira Maximum Prison relocation saga.
Luzira Maximum Security Prison is a maximum security prison for both men and women in Uganda. As at July 2016, it is the only maximum security prison in the country and houses Uganda’s death row inmates.
The prison in Nakawa Division the prison was designed with capacity of 1,700 inmates, but currently houses close to 8,000.
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