human rights 29 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MP Tebandeke Argues Prisoner Haircuts Violate Religious Freedom
Bbaale County MP Charles Tebandeke has raised concerns in Parliament that the mandatory cutting of prisoners' hair may infringe upon the religious freedoms and constitutional rights of inmates. He highlighted specific regulations that allow for exemptions based on religious beliefs. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4585/cutting-prisoners-hair-infringes-religious-rights-mp-tebandeke
A Member of Parliament for Bbaale County, Hon. Charles Tebandeke, has brought to light a contentious issue within Uganda’s correctional facilities: the practice of cutting prisoners’ hair. Tebandeke questioned whether this standard procedure violates the fundamental religious freedoms and constitutional rights guaranteed to inmates of certain faiths.
During a parliamentary sitting on August 27, 2026, Tebandeke pointed out that existing Prisons Regulations contain provisions for exemptions. These regulations state that a female prisoner’s hair should not be cut unless medically advised. Furthermore, for any prisoner whose religion prohibits hair cutting, their hair should only be cut under specific circumstances: with a written order from the officer in charge, citing necessity, and certified by a medical officer.
The MP emphasized that this issue transcends mere prison regulations, touching upon core constitutional protections. He referenced Article 34 of the Constitution, which mandates respect for human dignity and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, rights that are non-negotiable as per Article 44.
Tebandeke urged the relevant line minister to liaise with the Uganda Prisons Service to ensure strict adherence to the laws and regulations governing hair cutting, particularly concerning religious exemptions. He also called for the Human Rights Committee to investigate the prevalence of this practice across all prisons and ascertain if prisoners’ rights are being adequately safeguarded.
In response, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, assured that engagement with prison authorities would occur. However, the Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, suggested that a parliamentary probe might not be immediately necessary, indicating that existing regulations could be reviewed if amendments are required. The Law Reform Commission will reportedly be consulted.