Uganda Prisons Services clarifies the reports on the status of HIV in detention facilities.

Following claims in various social and main media reports that several inmates are contracting HIV/AIDS within the walls of the detention centers, Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has clarified and refuted them.

The Prisons Spokesperson, who is also The  Senior Commissioner of Prisons (SCP) Frank Baine, says that most of the prisoners who were found to be HIV positive were already infected prior to their incarceration, but were unaware of their status and that most of them were not aware of their status at entry to the jail centers.

He said that most of the inmates in various prisons are serving trials for cases of rape and defilement.

“When someone is going to rape or to defile, he or she doesn’t remember to use a condom. Many learn that their rape or defilement acts exposed them to HIV infection when they are already in jail,” he said

The stories featured in the mainstream media and social media indicated that HIV prevalence among inmates was largely due to homosexuality. However, Baine said some inmates contract HIV because of ignorance about how it is spread.

“Some inmates pick sharp objects like razorblades and use them to clean their bodies. Some actually share these sharp objects without thinking that they could get infected with HIV through them,” Baine said.

According to Baine, he acknowledged that the HIV prevalence among inmates is higher than the national average. While the national HIV prevalence stands at 6.5%, in prisons it is at 13% for females and 11% for males.

“If the HIV prevalence was a result of homosexuality as it is being alleged in the media, how come it’s high among females? The figures that were quoted were from our own examination of inmates during the time of entry or medical check-up,” he asked

Meanwhile, legislators have proposed the establishment of separate cells for inmates who are HIV positive in order to prevent the spread of the virus within the detention facilities.

Ibanda North Member of Parliament, Hon. Xavier Kyooma made the proposal during a debate on a report by the Committee on HIV/AIDS on Wednesday, 06 July 2023.

The report focused on assessing the high HIV prevalence rates and the accessibility of HIV service delivery in police and prison detention facilities.

The report attributed the high prevalence of HIV in prisons to risky behaviors, and violent incidents.

Kyooma emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights of HIV positive inmates by providing regular access to antiretroviral drugs.

He highlighted the limited freedom of incarcerated individuals and the need to protect their health.

"Unlike other HIV patients in the public who may have an opportunity to buy their own ARVs, the freedoms of the inmates are limited by the confinement. Is it possible that all the prisoners can be subjected to testing so that those who have can be separated from those who don't have?" he said.

In the report, the committee found that police authorities did not provide adequate HIV services to suspects within the prescribed 48 hour detention period. Suspects' HIV statuses were determined without going into detail about their treatment.

Access the video here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1678380185425530883