December 13, 2013
Former inmates decry forced circumcision
by Ronnie LayooGulu- Former inmates at Gulu Main Prison have accused the authorities of circumcising them against their will.
The inmates say the prison wardens force them to get circumcised, saying the move is to enhance good sanitation and health living.
Speaking to the Daily Monitor recently, Mr Richard Okello, 22, who was remanded in the prison for alleged assault for three months, said the prison warders forced him to get circumcised.
“The wardens came in the hall and announced that those who have not circumcised should get on the line, no one could resist it,” Mr Okello said.
He said he was exposed to infection since they did not provide him treatment.
Another former inmate, Mr David Ojok, who claimed he was also forced to circumcise, said proper sanitation, which should guarantee proper healing, was not provided.
However, the regional prison commander, Mr Kenneth Mugabiirwe, dismissed the allegations.
“Nobody can be forced to get circumcised; it’s voluntary,” he said. Mr Mugabiirwe acknowledged overcrowding and poor sanitation as the challenges facing the prison due to poor facilitation.
The officer in-charge of Gulu Main Prison, Ms Orik Obonyo, said a committee was recently set up to carry out investigations.
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