Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, February 26, 2024 | In a major development that has caught the attention of the nation, the Uganda Prisons Services has confirmed plans to relocate the Luzira Maximum Government Prison, paving the way for the construction of a five-star hotel in its place. The announcement was made today by Frank Baine, the spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Services, during a security press briefing held at Naguru.
According to Baine, discussions regarding the relocation are currently underway at the ministerial level, involving key stakeholders such as the President, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Attorney General. While confirming the decision, Baine emphasized that the Uganda Prisons Services is not directly involved in the discussions at this stage.
“The conversation regarding the relocation of Luzira Prison and the construction of a five-star hotel began in 2013. At present, it remains under ministerial deliberation, and as such, we are unable to provide further details or commentary on the matter,” stated Baine.
The initiative to relocate Luzira Prison and repurpose the land for commercial development received presidential approval in July 2022. The proposal involves allocating the land currently occupied by the prison to a Chinese investor, Tian Tang Group, for the construction of a prestigious five-star hotel. In exchange, the prison facility is set to be relocated to Buikwe District.
In correspondence dated 22 February 2024, the Minister of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Uganda Prisons Service, initiated plans for a consultative meeting scheduled for 6th March. The meeting aims to discuss the logistics and implications of the proposed relocation, including the identification and acquisition of suitable land in Buikwe District.
“The Uganda Prisons Service has identified 3.5 square miles of land in Buikwe District for the relocation, with an agreement to purchase one square mile for this purpose,” highlighted the letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafire.
As the nation awaits further developments on this transformative project, stakeholders are urged to direct inquiries and seek clarification from relevant government offices, including the Attorney General, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the President.
