Prisons confirms water crisis after NWSC disconnection over Shs18bn arrears

Luzira Prison’s Murchison Bay facility is currently facing a severe water crisis, having gone five days without water.

This latest disruption has raised concerns about the living conditions of inmates, who are already grappling with the challenges of overcrowding.

According to sources within the prison, the water shortage began last week and has since escalated, affecting the daily routines and hygiene of the inmates.

“The situation is dire. Inmates have no water for drinking, bathing, or sanitation,” one source revealed, highlighting the growing desperation inside the facility.

This is not the first time Murchison Bay has been hit by a water crisis. Over the past few years, the prison has experienced multiple instances of water shortages, each one exacerbating the already difficult conditions for the prisoners. These recurring crises have often been attributed to infrastructure challenges and inconsistent water supply from the national grid.

However, the current situation is further complicated by recent budget cuts imposed by the Ministry of Finance, which have severely limited the prison’s ability to address basic needs. The reduction in funding has not only affected water supply but has also impacted other critical areas such as food provision and healthcare services within the prison.

The absence of water in the prison poses significant health risks, particularly in an environment where overcrowding is already a serious concern. Lack of access to clean water for drinking and sanitation can lead to the spread of diseases, putting the health of inmates and staff at risk.

This website has learnt that whereas Prisons wrote to Ministry of Finance and National Water and Sewerage Corporation over the matter, the water was disconnected.

Prison officials have yet to provide a clear timeline for when the water supply will be restored, leaving many to wonder how long the facility can continue to operate under these conditions. In the meantime, efforts are being made to source water from alternative means, but these measures are proving insufficient to meet the needs of the prison population.

The ongoing water crisis at Murchison Bay underscores the broader challenges facing Uganda’s prison system, where inadequate funding and aging infrastructure continue to hinder the delivery of basic services.

As the situation unfolds, there is growing pressure on the government to address these systemic issues and ensure that the rights and well-being of inmates are upheld.