Bbaale County Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Tebandeke has questioned the cutting of hair of prisoners asking whether the practice does not infringe on the religious freedoms and constitutional rights of inmates of some faiths.
Tebandeke raised the matter on Thursday, 27 August 2026 at a sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.
Tebandeke said the law provides exemptions for inmates whose religious beliefs prohibit hair cutting.
He cited provisions under the Prisons Regulations which state that the hair of a female prisoner should not be cut unless recommended by a medical officer.
He added that the hair of a prisoner whose religion prohibits cutting it should not be cut without a written order from the officer in charge, issued on grounds of necessity and certified by a medical officer.
Tebandeke argued that the matter went beyond prison regulations and touched on fundamental constitutional protections.
“Article 34 of the Constitution provides for respect to humanity, dignity, human treatment, protection from torture, cruelty, degradation, among others, and these are non-negotiable rights according to Article 44,” Tebandeke said.
He called on the line minister to follow up the matter with the Uganda Prisons Service and ensure that prison authorities comply with the law and regulations governing the cutting of prisoners’ hair, particularly where exemptions are provided.
The MP also asked the Committee on Human Rights to investigate the extent of the practice across prisons and establish whether the rights of prisoners were being protected.
The Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu said they will engage the prison authorities.
However, Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi said there is no immediate need for a parliamentary investigation into the matter.
He said that if the practice has been taking place, prison authorities may have been acting under the existing regulations which instead can be reviewed.
“We will sit with the Law Reform Commission and consider your concern and if it requires an amendment, we will advise accordingly and move on,” Kafuuzi said.
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