MP Tebandeke Questions Prisoner Hair Cutting, Cites Religious Rights Violation

Bbaale County Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Tebandeke, has brought a pressing issue to the floor of Parliament regarding the treatment of inmates within Uganda’s prison system. Tebandeke questioned whether the practice of cutting prisoners’ hair infringes upon their fundamental religious freedoms and constitutional rights.

During a parliamentary sitting on Thursday, 27 August 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, Tebandeke pointed out that existing laws offer specific exemptions for prisoners whose religious beliefs prohibit hair cutting. He referenced the Prisons Regulations, which stipulate that a female prisoner’s hair should not be cut unless medically advised. Furthermore, for any prisoner whose faith forbids hair cutting, it should not be shorn without a written order from the officer in charge, requiring grounds of necessity and certification by a medical officer.

Tebandeke argued that this issue transcends mere prison regulations, touching upon core constitutional protections. He cited Article 34 of the Constitution, which mandates respect for human dignity and protection from cruel, degrading, or inhuman treatment, rights deemed non-negotiable under Article 44.

The MP urged the relevant minister to investigate the matter with the Uganda Prisons Service and ensure adherence to the law, especially concerning religious exemptions. He also called for the Committee on Human Rights to explore the extent of this practice across all prisons and ascertain if prisoners’ rights are being adequately protected.

In response, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, assured Parliament that they would engage with prison authorities. However, the Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, suggested that a parliamentary investigation might not be immediately necessary. He indicated that if the practice has occurred, prison authorities might have acted under existing regulations, which can be reviewed. Kafuuzi stated that the Law Reform Commission would be consulted to consider the MP’s concerns and advise on any necessary amendments.

Source: Parliament of Uganda