Rwanda Correctional Services suspend prison visits for 21 days to control the spread of Coronavirus

At Nyarugenge prison, located in the Nyarugenge sector on the outskirts of Kigali City, in the structure where visiting relatives and legal representatives meet inmates, we didn't find anyone visiting. Inmates were going about their daily chores. However, there are a few people who had visited the prison with little knowledge about the new regulations. 

Kanyoni Jean Michel came from Kicukiro district, we met him at the entrance of the prison on his way to visit his child who is detained in this facility. 

clip "We visited him recently and he told us that he needed some clothes and hygiène materials. I came to check if he has received them. Security wardens have informed us that no one is allowed to go beyond this area. 

I think this new directive has been informed by the outbreak of coronavirus. I understand it is a new measure to control the spread of this virus. I would advise that authorities put out a public notice such that people don’t waste their time going to visit their people in prisons," Kanyoni said. 

The administration of Nyarugenge Prison says that have informed visitors about the new changes 

CS Camille Zuba the head of this facility explains: "Every Friday, this place is crowded. We always have about 1000 people coming in to visit inmates. Other days we received between 50 to 100 people bringing food to inmates with special diet and lawyers of the inmates.

We have advises people with a special diet to bring money and register it with us then we can arrange special meals for their people instead of frequenting here on a daily. "

Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services, CG George Rwigamba told RBA that the new measures follow directives from the Ministry of Health aimed at controlling the spread of Coronavirus. 

"In all the 13 prisons across the country, we have decided to suspend visits for 21 days, Courts have also been temporarily suspended. During this time we will do everything possible to minimize contacts between inmates and people from outside unless necessary, and that will require people to wash their hands. We will also carry out tests on suspected symptoms of coronavirus and our team is ready to take people to the hospital, as usual, should anyone fall ill. Our canines provide special food for people who don’t eat the régular food we prepare. "

Rwanda has 13 prisons with a population of about 74 thousand inmates. The Rwanda Correctional Services says that all persons who visit Inmates will have to use available hygienic installations of hand-washing and avoid shaking hands while greeting until further notice.