Evelyn Akello, Mary Kaddu, Nswemu Kaggwa, Nazarius M. Tumwesigye, Jim Arinatwe, Michael Kyomya 1

Evelyn Akello, Mary Kaddu, Nswemu Kaggwa, Nazarius M.

Tumwesigye, Jim Arinatwe, Michael Kyomya

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Uganda has a total of 233 prisons The population of prisoners is about

35,000 (0.1% of the country’s population) 5% are female prisoners and 95% male

prisonersRemand prisoners comprise 56.6% of this

population Uganda prisons have an annual turnover

of 40,000 persons

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Epidemiological studies show that about 55% of those received into custody are problematic drug users; alcohol inclusive

Plausible reasons for this high percentage could include;Prisoners are usually from low social

backgroundsPrisons are stressful environments that

exacerbate the habit of drug abuse

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A RSA was conducted in Uganda prisons to; Identify factors influencing drug abuse among

prisoners Identify gaps in drug abuse programs in prisons

The rationale was to provide information for programming given the close association between drug abuse and HIV transmissionThe prevalence of HIV in Uganda prisons is 11%

vis-à-vis the national prevalence of 6.4%

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Data was collected from 34 of the 35 sampled prison units

A total of 459 prisoners were interviewed360 males & 99 females

Stringent ethical considerations were followed;Review of the study protocol by relevant IRBs Informed consent

A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used

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In your opinion are there inmates who abuse drugs while in prison?

To what extent are drugs abused in prison? If yes, which drugs?

Have you ever abused drugs before imprisonment? If yes, which drugs?

Have you ever abused any drugs while in prison? If yes, which drugs?

How do drugs get into prison? Why do inmates abuse drugs? Are there Injecting Drug Users (IDU) in prisons?

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A large proportion of respondents (293) reported that there was drug abuse in prison. 90% tobacco/cigarettes, 49% cannabis sativa (marijuana), 17% catha edulis (mairungi)No IDU reported

Reasons for drug abuse in prisons;Reduce anxiety and stress (46% of

respondents)Established drug habit prior to imprisonment

(24%)Gain strength (17%)

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82% reported that they abused alcohol prior to imprisonment

Only 2% reported that they had abused alcohol while in prison (crude waragi)

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Reasons for low alcohol abuse in prisons Impossible to smuggle alcohol in prisons,

because of intense searches prisoners are subjected to as they get into prison

It is easier to smuggle tobacco because it can be “booted” but not alcohol

Hard to drink alcohol and not get caught because of state of drunkenness that can be induced with over consumption of alcohol

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The level of alcohol abuse in Uganda prisons is very minimal but abuse of other drugs is relatively high

Rigorous checks by prison warders and the bulk nature of alcohol contributes to the minimal incidents of alcohol abuse

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It can thus be deduced that alcohol and prisoners are not compatible

However, there is need for prison authorities to reduce abuse of other drugsWhen incarcerated/imprisoned persons are

deprived of a range of personal freedoms as they serve their sentences and drugs/alcohol access is one of them

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Uganda Prisons Authority; Should acquire modern equipment and

techniques to reduce access to drugs by prisoners

Put in place drug support programs To help incarcerated persons deal with

withdrawal symptoms and other side effectsThese programs were practically none-

existent in prisons

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