“Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, Hon. Adut Kiir, on Friday returned to Kober Prison to fulfill her pledge of releasing inmates jailed for petty offenses,” read a statement from the press unit in the office of the presidential envoy.
She underscored that society has not abandoned prisoners, stressing that many remain a valuable workforce and intellectual resource, including professionals such as doctors, teachers, and nurses.
Prison authorities praised Adut’s intervention, noting that it encouraged visits from other high-profile officials, including the Chief Justice. They also highlighted the continuing need for rehabilitation initiatives, sports activities, and nutritional support.
“Adut settled a 47 million SSP water bill and urged exemptions on future charges to ease the burden on the institution,” said Gen. Joseph Benjamin, the Director of Prisons. He further called for the construction of a modern maximum-security facility and an improved Vocational Training Centre to help reduce overcrowding and equip offenders with practical skills.
In appreciation, prison officials and inmates presented Adut and President Salva Kiir with mango trees, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Last year, the Director of Juba Central Prison raised concerns about congestion and appealed for reforms in the justice system to speed up trials and decongest the facility. At the time, the prison population stood at 2,767 inmates—194 on death row, 707 convicted, 42 with mental health conditions, 1,824 on remand, and 8 infants living with their mothers.
Originally built decades ago to house only 300 inmates, Juba Central Prison is now operating at 929 percent of its intended capacity.
Speaking on behalf of remand prisoners, Nicola Nyieth Kon described dire conditions inside the wards.
“The cells are so congested that you cannot even find space to step when you want to access the washroom,” he said.
“There is a washroom inside the ward, but due to a lack of space, we are often forced to urinate in empty bottles,” he added.
