The Myth of Prisoners' Rights and Social Health Integration in the Ugandan State: A Doctrinal and Comparative Analysis of Dignity Healthcare and Reintegration

Prisoners' rights are legally recognised in Uganda, yet their practical value depends on the institutions that deliver healthcare, prevent abuse and support return to community life. This article interrogates the "myth" of prisoners' rights as a possible gap between formal entitlement and effective protection, rather than the absence of rights in law. It uses doctrinal analysis of the Constitution, revised statutes and twelve selected domestic, regional and comparative decisions, supported by prison-health literature and international standards. The analysis identifies a strong legal foundation in dignity, non-discrimination, healthcare access and remedies. It also demonstrates that sentencing review, humane conditions, mental healthcare, access to information and continuity after release are distinct elements of meaningful protection. The selected authorities do not establish that every Ugandan prison has identical conditions, and historical reports cannot substitute for a current institutional assessment. The article proposes an accountability and continuity framework connecting admission, treatment, discharge planning and community support. It concludes that rights become practically credible when duties are assigned, decisions are documented, urgent care is accessible and remedies are implemented. Legal recognition is therefore necessary, while effective social health integration requires coordinated administration and independently verifiable outcomes.