Uganda: Cutting of prisoners' hair infringes on religious rights - MP Tebandeke

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