The number of people in correctional facilities continues to grow, exerting pressure on government finances and on top of exposing the inmates to all sorts of hazards. For instance, over the last five years, overcrowding in correctional facilities increased from 99.6 per cent to 124.8 per cent, according to data from the National Human Rights Commission. The figures show the number of detainees exceeds the official prison capacity by a very big margin. The imprisonment rates vary between districts, with Rwamagana, Musanze, Gicumbi, Bugesera, Rusizi, Huye and Muhanga prisons having the highest population density compared to their accommodation capacity. The problems of overcrowding in detention facilities are widespread. In addition to appalling hygiene conditions as well as physical and mental health challenges for the detainees, overcrowding in prisons puts enormous strains on the infrastructure. It raises the potential for tensions and conflicts among detainees and with staff. The government has mooted a plan to increase the capacity of correctional centres by constructing more blocks as one of the solutions. This is a costly and short-term solution. On Tuesday October 13, the Senate provided a more compelling solution— to channel the focus and resources into behavioural change in order to keep people out of jail. Their argument is that the communities that we live in have the power to change this and must play a role in changing attitudes and behaviour. The best solution is to equip community leaders with information on basic laws and how best they can teach values to our people from a tender age. It requires time and resources for such campaigns to explain the decision to the masses as well as teaching communities about the laws. The government should also explore other non-custodial measures and sanctions as alternatives to detention.
