Abstract
This study examined the prison management system at Kauga Prison in Mukono, Uganda, with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of inmate management, rehabilitation programs, and administrative operations. The specific objectives were to assess the inmate record-keeping system in use at Kauga Prison, to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration programs, and to examine the challenges facing the management of the prison facility. A case study research design was adopted, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study population comprised prison warders, administrative staff, and a sample of inmates. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 45 respondents and in-depth interviews with 8 key informants including the Officerin-Charge, rehabilitation officers, and health personnel. Findings indicated that the prison relied heavily on manual record-keeping systems that were prone to errors, delays, and data loss, adversely affecting inmate tracking and legal compliance. Rehabilitation programs including vocational training, literacy education, and counseling existed but suffered from inadequate funding, understaffing, and limited space. Challenges included severe overcrowding at 218% of designed capacity, inadequate staffing ratios, dilapidated physical infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare. Regression analysis revealed that administrative efficiency and rehabilitation program quality were the most significant predictors of successful inmate reintegration outcomes (β = 0.421 and β = 0.387, respectively, p < 0.001). The study recommended the adoption of an integrated prison management information system, increased budgetary allocation for rehabilitation programs, infrastructure expansion, and recruitment of additional trained staff to address systemic management challenges.
Keywords
Prison Management System, Rehabilitation, Inmate Records, Kauga Prison, Mukono, Uganda, Overcrowding, Reintegration