By Our Reporter
A total of 143 inmates convicted of petty offences have been granted presidential pardon, following a formal directive issued by the Attorney General to the Uganda Prisons Service.
The decision, made under Article 121(4)(a) of the Constitution, was communicated through an official instrument signed by the Attorney General and addressed to the Commissioner General of Prisons. Uganda Prisons Headquarters confirmed receipt of the directive on 14 November 2025, marking the start of the release process.
According to official documents, the pardons were approved on the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, which reviews cases for potential clemency. This latest round focused on inmates serving sentences for minor offences and assessed as ready to be safely reintegrated into the community.
A follow-up communication from the Prisons Service dated 19 November 2025 outlined the operational steps for enforcing the directive. It included an internal list of the 143 beneficiaries, whose identities remain confidential for privacy and security reasons.
Prisons officials say the exercise aims to decongest prison facilities, enhance rehabilitation efforts, and offer deserving inmates a chance to restart their lives.
The Attorney General also directed the Prisons Service to update the Ministry of Justice once all releases have been executed.
Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine, who signed the final confirmation document, described the pardon as part of ongoing government initiatives to manage prison populations and maintain humane correctional standards.
The pardoned individuals will undergo standard exit procedures including counselling and reintegration support before returning to their communities.
Email: swiftnewsug@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +256 754 137 391