Uganda Prisons Face Alarming Rates of TB and HIV Infections

Eight Times Higher TB Rates Than General Population

Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s correctional facilities are grappling with a severe health crisis, with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infection rates far exceeding national averages, according to a recent study by Makerere University’s School of Public Health.

The 2023 survey revealed shocking statistics: active TB infection rates in prisons are eight times higher than in the general population, while nearly half (48%) of inmates tested positive for latent TB infection.

Understanding the Latent TB Threat

Dr. Simon Kasasa, lead investigator and senior lecturer at Makerere University, explains the danger: “With latent TB, individuals carry the virus without symptoms, but can develop active TB at any time. This creates a ticking time bomb in overcrowded prison conditions.”

Prison Conditions Fueling Disease Spread

Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health, highlights how prison environments exacerbate the problem: “Poor ventilation, overcrowding, and inadequate healthcare create perfect conditions for TB transmission.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that TB rates in prisons worldwide are typically 5-50 times higher than national averages, with Uganda’s situation particularly dire.

Critical Infrastructure Failures

The study found:

• 80% of prisons severely overcrowded
• 95% of prison wards lack proper ventilation
• Current screening methods miss 50% of TB cases

Prison Officials Acknowledge Crisis

Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Samuel Akena admitted the system is operating at nearly four times capacity: “We should hold 20,000 inmates but currently have 79,000. This overcrowding creates dangerous disease transmission risks.”

Diagnostic Challenges

The research revealed significant gaps in TB detection:

• Symptom screening missed 50% of cases
• Chest X-rays missed 40% of cases
• 67% of TB cases entered prisons undetected

Ministry of Health Response

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, confirmed Uganda remains among the 30 high-burden TB/HIV countries globally, with 94,000 TB cases diagnosed this year – 30,000 co-infected with HIV.

“Prison congestion creates ideal TB transmission conditions,” Olaro warned. “We must implement annual screening and improve treatment access to control this epidemic.”

Call to Action

Experts recommend:

• Strengthened screening protocols
• Prison infrastructure improvements
• Integrated TB/HIV services
• Gender-responsive health strategies

This article summarizes an original report. Read the full investigation at The Independent Uganda.