Punishment or correction? A rights-based study of prison labour in Uganda: The Case of Kirinya Prison-Jinja.

Abstract

Throughout the history, prison labour has been part of the prison system. It is presumed that prison labour has its roots from slavery. Its existence led to the development of international human rights instruments based on the inalienable rights of a human being. These instruments are codified in the Ugandan legal system with the cardinal objective of eliminating forced labour and like practices. Although prison labour is not considered to be forced labour, the instruments adopted by nations throughout the world impose certain restrictions on the use of prison labour. This study focuses on prison labour in Uganda in light of the restrictions imposed by international community.

The key findings of the research are contained in chapters two, three, four and five. The study explores the historical development of prison labour in Uganda. In addition, the international and national legal instruments, which provide for prison labour, are analyzed. From the study, it is evident that despite the legal provisions put in place to safeguard the rights of prisoners, the findings show that labour in Uganda government prisons is involuntary and thus oppressive and exploitative. However, there are indications that prison labour is desirable so long as it caters for the needs of those concerned. Further, the study spells out how other countries like USA and Cameroon have handled the concept of prison labour within their legal set up. Generally, limited attention is given to prison labour as an important category of labour. This makes it necessary for states to formulate comprehensive policies on prison labour based on human rights norms as protected in international instruments.