H.E the President of Uganda, on 22^nd of April 2020 pardoned 833 prisoners’ country wide through the Prerogative of Mercy as a measure against the spread of COVID-19 (Corona virus) by decongesting the prison facilities.

Under Article 121 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, there shall be an Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Article 121 (4) (b) The President may, on advice of the Committee of grant a person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period from the execution of punishment imposed on him or her for an offence.

The list of pardoned prisoners includes petty offenders who donot go beyond 2 years and had completed three quarters of their sentences, breast-feeding mothers and those aged 60 and above.

 The Attorney General on receipt of the Instruments of Pardon from the President sent detailed guidance to the Commissioner General of Prisons on implementation of the Presidential Directive.