Agong’s Prison Visit Inspires Hope as She Pushes for Daycare Centre for Inmates’ Children

Oyam, Uganda | The Queen known as Agong of Lango, Margaret Odongo Okune, has praised the management of Oyam Women’s Prison for providing proper care and rehabilitation to inmates, saying her first visit to the facility changed her perception of prison life after finding the inmates healthy, smart and actively engaged in skills training.

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Executives of Agong Foundation in a group photo with Agong Margaret Odongo Okune and Officer in Charge Oyam Women’s Prison ASP Nabwire Catherine.

During her visit on Thursday, Agong Margaret, the wife of the Won Nyaci of Lango, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune said many people believe imprisonment marks the end of one’s future, but her observations at the facility painted a different picture. She noted that the inmates are undergoing meaningful rehabilitation and encouraged them to remain hopeful as they prepare for life after serving their sentences.

She urged the inmates to embrace the prison’s skilling programmes, saying the knowledge acquired in tailoring, hairdressing, craft making, and other vocational activities would enable them to rebuild their lives after release. She also encouraged them to love one another and maintain peaceful coexistence while in custody.

Agong further appealed to the government and development partners to establish a daycare section at Oyam Women’s Prison to cater for children living with their incarcerated mothers. She said young children deserve an environment that supports their growth and development, noting that there are experiences they should not be exposed to at an early age. She also commended prison warders and wardens for their commitment to the welfare of the inmates.

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, one of the prisoners said they are safe, their rights are respected, and they receive meals three times a day. However, she appealed to Agong Margaret to support their vocational training by providing materials such as threads, beads, gitenge fabric, and other equipment needed for tailoring, hairdressing, craft work and liquid soap production. She also reiterated the need for a daycare facility, noting that children currently share accommodation with their incarcerated mothers.

The Officer-in-Charge of Oyam Women’s Prison, ASP Nabwire Catherine, welcomed the Queen and revealed that the facility currently houses 43 female inmates and three children. She thanked Agong for donating sugar, sanitary pads, and milk for the children, saying the contribution would improve the welfare of the inmates.

Representing the District Prisons Commander, the Officer-in-Charge of Oyam Main Prison, SSP Emmanuel Opolot, appreciated Agong for visiting the inmates, saying her presence had restored hope among women who had felt forgotten. He called on other leaders and well-wishers to emulate her gesture and appealed to the Office of the Agong to continue lobbying for support towards prison skilling programmes and other areas where resources remain inadequate.

The Queen was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Gender under the Lango Cultural Institution, Caroline Edonga, executives of the Agong Foundation and Oyam District Secretary for Production, Works and Technical Services, Betty Achomo, who represented the Oyam District LCV Chairperson during the donation and outreach visit.