Ugandan State’s Legacy of Colonialism Lives On Through Prison Violence

In Kampala, Uganda, scholar Kemigisa has issued a scathing critique of the Ugandan government, revealing that the country’s prison system is still deeply rooted in colonial-era violence and anti-Blackness.

The Legacy of Colonialism

The post-colonial state has failed to dismantle the structural anti-Blackness ingrained in its laws, prisons, borders, military, and police. Kemigisa argues that the Ugandan government’s reliance on prison violence is a legacy of colonialism, which extended beyond physical boundaries to criminalize everyday life, including spiritual practices and indigenous cultures.

The “Civilizing Mission”

The scholar cites the example of the “civilizing mission,” where European colonizers imposed their own laws and cultural norms on African societies. This led to the introduction of the prison system in Uganda by British colonizers in the late 19th century as part of their “civilizing” agenda.

Florence Bernault’s research reveals the racial segregation and social distance imposed on Africans, positioning them as objects of power. The prison system in Africa was designed to reinforce colonial rule, enforcing labor and disciplining resistance.

Prisons in Post-Colonial Uganda

In the post-colonial era, prisons have become a tool for governance, complemented by the weaponization of the military. This has resulted in state-sanctioned murders, police brutality, and neglect of welfare sectors. The scholar argues that the population is managed through exposure to prison risks, perpetuating colonial anti-Black ideologies.

Racial Capitalism and Labor

The article highlights the legacy of racial capitalism in Uganda’s prison system, where prisoners are forced to engage in labor on agricultural farms, a practice that continues to this day. Dehumanization and humiliation tactics, such as the bucket system and overcrowding, persist, and arbitrary arrests have become a hallmark of the post-colonial regime.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws and Necropolitics

Kemigisa argues that the Ugandan government’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as the Anti-Homosexuality Law, are rooted in colonial-era penal codes and reinforce necropolitics, or the use of violence to control populations. The scholar cites the work of Achille Mbembe, who defines necropolitics as a political, economic, and military orientation aimed at population elimination.

Conclusion

The article concludes that rethinking justice systems in Uganda requires challenging the logic of anti-Blackness and questioning the legitimacy of the nation-state. Until this is done, the Ugandan government’s reliance on prison violence will continue to perpetuate colonial-era injustices and maintain a culture of violence and terror for marginalized groups.

Recommendations

Challenge the logic of anti-Blackness in justice systems
Question the legitimacy of the nation-state
Reform laws and policies to address systemic racism and inequality
Implement alternative forms of conflict resolution and community-based justice programs
Prioritize human rights and dignity for all individuals