Uganda joined the global community in commemorating the 22nd World Day against Death Penalty under the theme “Death Penalty protects no one.”
The event held at Hotel Africana in Kampala highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle with the death penalty, raising concerns about fair trial rights, legal representation, and mental health considerations.
Mr. Tiyo Milton, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons (Director – Correction Services) said that Uganda currently has 103 prisoners on death row.
The last execution in the country took place in 1999. “Our prayers and wishes are the same,” Tiyo stated, “we hope that the death penalty is completely abolished. Every day, prisoners on death row live with the uncertainty of the next day.” he noted.
Ms. Doreen Kyazze, Executive Director of Penal Reform International, stressed a high likelihood of wrongful convictions. Kyazze emphasized the irreversibility of the death penalty, warning that there is a risk of executing innocent individuals.
The World Day Against Death Penalty, observed annually, aims to raise awareness about the death penalty and promote its abolition worldwide.
The day was established in 1998 by the European Union and was later adopted by the United Nations in 2007. The theme “Death Penalty Protects no one” underscores the belief that capital punishment is an ineffective deterrent to crime and violates fundamental human rights.
Uganda’s commemoration of the World Day Against Death Penalty comes amidst growing calls for the country to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which would commit Uganda to abolishing the death penalty.
