The 260 inmates of the men's prison in Arua, 475 km north-west of Kampala, Uganda, no longer have to sleep on the floor. For the past year they have been able to sleep on mattresses with covers, providing a more dignified stay while at the prison. When inmates are treated more humanely, it has a measured impact on recidivism. It's felt that providing more humane living conditions while incarcerated can help ensure a better reintegration into society upon their release. This not only has a direct impact on the quality of life for those in the facility, but can then have ripple effects into the broader community.With the cooperation of the Uganda Prisons Service, Rotary Club of New Westminster provided $10,095 for 300 Rotary branded mattresses and blankets, along with 2 spray pumps and pesticides. Included in that funding was a $3,365 Rotary District 5040 Grant from The Rotary Foundation.
13 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Arua, which, led by Gloria Royce Androa, brought this project to Rotary Club of New Westminster, plus the Rotary Club of Kololo-Kampala provided local administration for the project led by two New Westminster Rotarians in this area. The clubs had partnered previously on a similar project with the women's prison in the Arua area and was encouraged by the success in improving the quality of life for inmates in that facility.
Muke Commodities Ltd. and The Octopus Interior Furniture & Designs were two Ugandan companies which benefitted from the purchase of the 300 mattresses and covers.
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