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Abstract

t This paper provides a reflection on the need for the prison system in Uganda to develop an understanding of the specific issues that affect female prisoners as a basis for implementing policies and programs that meet their special and unique needs as women. Drawing from vast international literature and few studies from African countries, this paper shows that the need for an understanding of issues that affect female prisoners is based on the fact that the pathway to crime and to prison between female and male prisoners is in most cases different. The paper’s disposition is engendered by two previous studies conducted in female prisons in Uganda. In those papers, a history of multiple victimization among female prisoners, lack of understanding of issues affecting female prisoners together with insufficient programs needed to ease their pains of imprisonment and prepare them for life outside prison was clearly stated. Owing to the pertaining situation inherent with female prisoners in Uganda, this paper recommends that there should be more studies on female prisoners to generate agenda for policy makers and practitioners in the criminal justice system of Uganda. Of specific interest, knowledge on women's multiple forms of marginalization is important for prisons in developing programs that help in reducing not only the various forms of pain associated with imprisonment but also prepare women to re-enter the society that is gendered and patriarchal.

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