Uganda Prisons Hosting 294 Babies Living With Incarcerated Mothers

The Uganda Prisons Service has disclosed that at least 294 babies are currently living in prisons across the country alongside their incarcerated mothers, a situation that has contributed to congestion in correctional facilities.

The revelation was made by Aggrey Aturwanirire, Commissioner of Prisons in charge of Planning, while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on 23 January 2026 to present the Uganda Prisons Service 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper.

“We are reporting on the daily average prisoner population, and we note that some female prisoners come with babies. Currently, we have an additional 294 babies staying with their mothers in prison,” Aturwanirire told the Committee.

The disclosure prompted concern among Members of Parliament, led by Reuben Arinaitwe, the Isingiro West MP, who questioned the fate of the children, particularly in cases where relatives decline to take responsibility for them.

“I have been wondering about mothers with babies in prison. What happens to these children if relatives refuse to claim them?” Arinaitwe asked. “In many cases, when a woman is imprisoned, even relatives abandon her. So where do these children end up if no one comes to take them?”

In response, Samuel Akena, Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, dismissed suggestions that women become pregnant while incarcerated, stating that all female inmates undergo mandatory medical screening upon admission.

“Our systems are very clear. Mothers either come to prison already pregnant or with babies they have already delivered,” Akena said. “By law, children are allowed to stay with their mothers up to 18 months, in line with prison rules and regulations.”

He added that, in practice, the period sometimes extends to 24 months to ensure the welfare of the child.

“When they reach prison with these children, many mothers are reluctant to release them because, in some cases, the minimum care provided in prison is better than what the child would receive outside,” Akena said. “As a service, we always try to make life a little better for these children.”

According to the Uganda Prisons Service, baby care centres have been established in major women’s prisons to provide infants with basic care and support.

Akena further explained the circumstances under which some babies are born while their mothers are in custody, noting that women may enter prison while already pregnant.

“A woman may conceive before arrest and be remanded while pregnant,” he said. “Upon admission, we conduct pre-entry screening, including pregnancy tests and other health assessments such as HIV, TB, and general medical checks. If a woman is on remand and later gives birth while in custody, the child remains with the mother under the provisions of the law.”