Temporary Water Disconnection at Luzira Prisons Complex: A National Concern
By John Kusolo
On August 13th, 2024, the Luzira Prisons Complex, a critical detention facility in Uganda, experienced a temporary disconnection of its water supply by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). This drastic measure was taken due to the accumulation of outstanding water bill arrears amounting to UGX 18,272,450,274.
Despite efforts by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) to avert such a crisis by releasing funds to cover the water bills, the situation at Luzira remains dire. Specifically, MoFPED disbursed UGX 2,355,351,000 in the first quarter of the financial year 2024/25, a portion of the budgeted UGX 7,996,253,000 intended to cover water expenses. However, this amount was not sufficient to clear the existing arrears, leading to the disconnection.
Financial Breakdown
The budgetary allocation for the Luzira Prisons Complex's water expenses for FY 2024/25 is divided into the following categories:
MTEF (Medium-Term Expenditure Framework): UGX 7,054,255,000 (with UGX 1,413,351,000 released in Quarter 1)
Arrears: UGX 942,000,000 (fully released in Quarter 1)
Total: UGX 7,996,255,000 (with UGX 2,355,351,000 released in Quarter 1)
The balance of UGX 5,640,904,000 has not yet been released, leaving the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) in a precarious position, trying to manage the crisis with limited resources.
Impact and Mitigation
The water disconnection has sparked nationwide concern, given the essential role Luzira Prisons Complex plays in the country's correctional system. To mitigate the immediate effects of the water crisis, the Uganda Prisons Service has deployed water bowsers to supply the complex temporarily. This solution, however, is far from ideal and underscores the urgency of resolving the situation.
Negotiations are actively ongoing between MoFPED, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, UPS, and NWSC to restore the water supply to the prison complex. The discussions are focused on finding a long-term resolution that will prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Call for Calm and Commitment
In response to the crisis, UPS has urged both prisoners and staff to remain calm as efforts are made to restore normalcy. Frank Baine Mayanja, the Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs (CCA), emphasized the service's commitment to maintaining secure, humane, and safe custody of offenders, even in the face of such challenges.
The situation at Luzira Prisons Complex serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely financial allocations and the potential consequences of budgetary delays or shortfalls. As stakeholders continue to work towards a solution, the hope is that the water supply will be restored promptly, ensuring the well-being of those within the complex and maintaining the integrity of Uganda's correctional system.
The water disconnection at Luzira Prisons Complex highlights significant financial and operational challenges faced by Uganda's correctional facilities. While temporary measures are in place, the urgency of restoring a stable water supply cannot be overstated. The ongoing negotiations between government entities and NWSC are crucial in ensuring that this issue is resolved swiftly and sustainably.
This situation underscores the need for a more robust approach to financial management within public institutions, ensuring that critical services such as water supply are maintained without disruption. The public and relevant stakeholders will be keenly watching the outcome of these negotiations, hoping for a resolution that safeguards the rights and welfare of all affected parties.
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