President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the commander In Chief of Armed forces has pardoned at of 1798 Convicts in the last five years, Spyreports has learnt. This information has been revealed by Uganda Prison services which is the custodian of all prisoners and Convicts in Uganda. While addressing the media at police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, the Frank Baine also refuted the claims which was released by one of Media houses in Kampala over the weekend that President Museveni pardoned Convicts for his political reasons.
“Over the weekend there is one of the media houses where the Presenter murdered the Constitution blod day light by saying President Museveni pardoned Convicts to gain his political powers, which was totally false,” says Baine adding that he never wanted to call because he would sound badly. He further explains that the President uses his prerogative mercy to pardon Convicts every year.
“The Prisons make a list of Convicts who need pardon once in a year depending on the law.The list is sent to Commissioner General of Prisons who also forwards to Attorney General and then AG sends to President and once the President Pardons them, they are released in 24 hrs,” Says Baine adding that those who are to be hanged, the Prisons prepares in 72 hours to hung them. He added that in April 2020, President pardoned 833 Convicts, 2021,579, 2022, 79, 2023, 13, August 2023, 2, 15th October 2024, 130, 16th November 2024,19 and on 04th October 2025, 143 Convicts were pardoned.
Mr Baine says those who were pardoned in the last five years were either on health Conditions, Gender ,Age and vulnerability, Length of sentence served, Discipline and hard work or Recommendation by prison Authorities among others. “All capital Convicts who are remaining with six months or less on their sentence, elderly capital Convicts of 64 years and above who have served 75% of their sentence deserve a pardon,” Explains Baine adding that pregnant and suckling mothers who have also served 75% of their sentence can also be considered for a pardon.
Baine further explains the attendence of Prison Officers in a rally in Gulu saying they were called to support police during operations. “We have always conducted joint operations with Police and Army where necessary. We can not refuse to come in when called because Prisons is part of the National Security,” he stated adding that during Martyers day, Prisons is part of security and the public has not complained.
