By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
In a gratifying display of compassion and humanity, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has exercised his constitutional authority to pardon 200 inmates from various government prisons.
This act of clemency carried out on August 20, 2023, not only grants these individuals a second chance at life but also underscores the government’s commitment to public health and humanitarian principles.
Among those who have been set free is the former Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Jimmy Lwamafa, whose case drew significant attention due to its implications for Uganda’s civil servants.
Jimmy Lwamafa alongside other ministry officials, Christopher Obey (principal accountant) and Stephen Kunsa Kiwanuka (director for research and development), faced allegations of illegally allocating UGX88.2 billion, intended for civil servants, to the Ministry’s budget under the guise of a pension contribution to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This case raised significant concerns about the welfare of civil servants and the misuse of public funds.
According to Frank Baine, the Spokesperson for Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), President Museveni’s decision to pardon these inmates was driven by a strong sense of public health and humanitarian duty.
He affirmed that the president had made this compassionate choice based on these grounds. The power to grant pardons is vested in the President by Article 121 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and is often advised by the advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy.
“In the exercise of the power vested in me under Article 121 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, as amended and on the advice of the advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy, I hereby grant to the persons below, on public health and humanitarian grounds,” Museveni declared, in his statement.
Museveni has a history of showing compassion towards prisoners, often granting pardons at the beginning or end of the year. In fact, on January 3rd, 2022, he gave freedom to 79 inmates. The Uganda Prisons Service has been diligently processing the release documents for these individuals, ensuring that they can reintegrate into society smoothly.
Past Pardons
In 2022, 79 incarcerated individuals were pardoned. These include eight from Fort Portal prisons namely Abdul Karim, Emmanuel Masereka, Eriya Byaruhanga, Deborah Kyakimwa, Mary Ithungu, Philimon Barijwaha, Robert Mugisa, and Kyaligonza.
Five from Mbale prison included Amos Mugudwa, Jespa Anywa, Paul Mashika, Peter Musana and Ronald Masjero. From Masindi prisons, five inmates namely Adidas Muwanguzi, Francis Okum, Kenneth Busobozi and Sunday Okot were freed.
Furthermore, Museveni extended clemency to inmates from Isimba prison, including Agus Swaibu, Brian Atwine, Dennis Kayongo, and Tera Zimonia. Notably, UPDF soldier Pte Awany James and police Corporal Sabiot Herbertson were also granted freedom. In 2020, the President pardoned 883 prisoners.
As these individuals regain their freedom, it is hoped that they will seize the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. The pardon also serves as a reminder that, even in the face of legal complexities, the pursuit of justice and the principles of humanity remain at the heart of Uganda’s governance.
What The Pardons Mean?
This act of clemency offers hope to not only the pardoned inmates but also their families and communities. It signifies that individuals who have made mistakes in the past can be given a second chance to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. This can inspire optimism among the public, showing that rehabilitation and redemption are valued principles within the justice system.
The pardon reflects the government’s commitment to humanitarian values and its acknowledgement of the importance of considering the health and welfare of prisoners. It sends a message that the state is willing to show compassion when appropriate circumstances call for it, emphasizing the importance of treating prisoners with dignity and respect.
In high-profile cases like that of Jimmy Lwamafa, where allegations of misusing public funds were involved, the pardon can be seen as an attempt to address concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the justice system. It highlights a willingness to resolve complex legal matters in a way that serves the broader principles of justice and fairness.
When the public sees the government taking actions like pardoning inmates, it can lead to increased confidence in the justice system. People are more likely to have faith in a system that not only punishes wrongdoing but also provides opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Still, the release of these inmates has practical implications for society. As they return to their communities, they will have the chance to rebuild their lives, potentially contributing positively to their families and neighbourhoods. This can lead to safer and more cohesive communities in the long run.
However, according to political and human rights analysts, Museveni’s pardon of inmates, particularly in high-profile cases like that of Jimmy Lwamafa, can potentially lead to negative perceptions and outrage from the public.
Some members of the public may view these pardons as acts of impunity, especially if they believe that the individuals being released were involved in serious criminal activities or corruption. This can affect trust in the government’s commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable.
When it comes to justice concerns, pardoning individuals involved in high-profile cases, particularly those linked to financial wrongdoing, can raise concerns about the integrity of the justice system. People might question whether justice has truly been served or if political or other considerations played a role in the pardons.
Still, the public perception of fairness and equity is crucial. If the public believes that well-connected or influential individuals are receiving preferential treatment, it can lead to feelings of injustice among ordinary citizens.
Transparency and Accountability: Transparency in the decision-making process for pardons is essential to avoid suspicions of favouritism or political manipulation. Lack of clarity can contribute to public outrage.
Impact on Victims: In some cases, victims of crimes committed by those who are pardoned may feel that their rights have been neglected or that justice has been denied. This can lead to anger and frustration among victims and their supporters.
Public Opinion: Public perception plays a significant role in the acceptance of government actions. If the majority of the public views these pardons negatively, it can lead to protests, calls for accountability, and even damage the government’s reputation.
Political Factors: Pardons, especially in politically charged cases, can be interpreted as political maneuvers. Opposition parties or civil society groups may use these actions to criticize the government and mobilize public sentiment against it.
Names Of The Pardoned
Jimmy Lwamafa, Mugerwa innocent, Isingoma Hassan, Anite Lean Beatrice, Ibiria Vicky, Peace Kevin, Aweki Saidi, Adubango Fred, Ahimbisibwe Conrad, Tushabirane Robert, Ssekajja Lawrence, Nkarabamu Simon, Kimera Julius, Turyahebwa Jordan, Bakashaba Emmanuel, Musoni Sam, Egasu David, Okolong Stephen, Ongom Fastinao, Ewoka Patrick, Ocen David, Enyangu Peter, Opus Charles, Ouma Anthony, Irambona Benveni (Burundiana).
Munyambabazi Gerald, Seremba Abias alias Computer, Dyabe Alex, Kyomia Moses, Lukwago Lawlwnce, Muwanga Muhamad, Sendawula Yowas, Mutebi Shafic, Bukenya Godfrey, Tamale Bonny, Bakulumpagi Herman, Nakibinge Ceaser Munange, Okello Charles, Ddamba Joel, Rubalema Patrick, Ssemakula Francis, Moses Zabasajja Ndanabanji, Kadiba Rodgers, Lutu David, Buule Charles, Lubayi Godfrey, Magombe Joseph, Wamukota Richard.
Alomu Francis, Tumwesigye Vincent, Kabugo Douglas, Nalwoga Hajjarah, Leuma Lochap, Buwembo Muhamad, Pte Tayebwa Mark, Nyombi Edward, Alinganyira Justus, Onen Stephen, Lukwago Moses, Mwana Shaka alias Aimefiarce, Mpamu Godfrey, Namakoye Moreen, Naburufe Robina, Asiimwe Edward, Nzamuye Benon, Mugabo Ronald, Omony Emmanuel, Kalangwa Bosco, Happy Vincent Kusemerererwa, Byonabye Vincent.
Tumushabe Bosco Nyamwiza, Aturinde Earnest, Anguzu Morish, Nyadru Hussein, Monday Alias Wani, Obano Clinton, Likambo Geofrey, Acipa Scopars, Lagu Isah, Sadamu Juma, Mohamad Rasul, Gboyi James, Munguci Patrick, Ovuga Benard, Bakole Ismail, Musema Zubeir, Ajobi Zuberi, Opio David, Ogodi Salim, Muwonge Herbert, Bahati Alex, Tushabe Theodre, Sunday Daniel, Ndyanabo Alex, Tibesigwa Charles, Ssegawa Idi, Nsamba James.
Ondoga Patrick, Adaku Ismail, Otim Michael, Alumai Godfrey, Magino Gerald, Arinda Rodney, Mugarura Bruhan, Ayongera Moses, Muhindo John, Muhame Ypweri, Muhangi James, Tumwesigye Fred, Mugerwa Issa, Okumu Joseph, Abdru Karim, Ainebyona Eric, Kyokusiima Ivan, Uwimana Ivan Rugambwa, Bitighuwa Elizabeth, Kengonzi Annah, Kyompaire Gloria, Okware St. Peter alias Odongo, Opio Abdul Akim, Lamaku Milton.
Lubangakene Ronald, Kakumba Paul, Mbishaka Twishan, Kato Alafati, Isabirye Joseph, Wandera Sulaiman, Kadumbuli Yusuf, Balikoowa Muhammed, Omaswa Tony Ssemudu, Amuge Jesca, Otim Anyeke Julius, Baluku Jimmy, Mugaba John, Tibeyalirwa Adolf, Byaruhanga Michael, Mukiibai Patrick, Ojambo Aggrey, Lutalo Patrick, Obedi Christopher, Kyaligonza Ignatius, Turyasingura Francis, Mutonganize Annaclet, Tumwesigye Sunday.
Nkubilulika Vincent, Kamumpaire John, Abitegeka Francis, Nabimanya Kakuru Gilbert, Alyesiima Stephen, Kasaija James, Turinayesu Augustine, Kabitura Matia, Ocaya James, Issa Drapali Boy, Odongo Tom alias Odu, Onono Jasper, Ojok Sunday, Metalolo Ismail, Komakech Simon Peter, Opio Juma, Moses Okello, Nedhomi Nelson, Oteko Rajab, Mudhasi Eriasa, Okoro Moses, Okech Kelement, Wninda Juma, Wandera Sylvester.
Ofwono Hannington, Owere Samuel, Odongo Yofisa alias Rasi, Owoloi Solomon, Wabwire Siraji, Bogere Andrew, Ofumbe Patrick, Wafula Lauben, Ouma Kevin, Owor Timothy, Ochieng Jude, Masinde Stephen, Omakode Lawrence, Omala Nekemia, Mugoya Andrew alias Dogo, Kirungi Ronny, Omasajja Julius, Nganda Kenneth Abanku Ngolobe, Sanya Richard, Mugeni Darken, Kabesi Sharif Alias Goloa, Masalas Abdu Latif, Owor Charles, Wafwana Issac, Opapala Hax Martine, , Ojambo Boniface, Ouma Patrick, Okulu Geofrey and Wanyama Ben alias Wandere.
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